Li was born in mainland China and held important posts under President Chiang Ching-kuo, so most people believed he would be able to attend, and praised the goodwill shown by President Chen. But people familiar with APEC history had misgivings.
由於李元簇是大陸籍，曾在蔣經國時代擔任重要職務，一般認為李元簇應可順利成行，並肯定陳總統釋出的善意，但熟悉 APEC 歷史的人士卻也有所擔心。