In September 2014, commenting on the invitation given to President Ma Ying-jeou as "The Honorable Mr. Ma Ying-jeou" and "Economic Leader of Chinese Taipei" for the upcoming APEC China 2014 in Beijing on 10–11 November 2014, Shih said that the nation had not been downgraded such title because APEC economic leaders' meeting participants are taking parts in their capacity of their countries' economic leaders. She said that the invitation was received at Taipei Guest House by Mainland Affairs Council Minister Wang Yu-chi and other council and ministry officials responsible for handling APEC-related affairs.