九一一事件的發生除使APEC打破不正式談論安全事宜的限制外,其後APEC架構下的反恐議題發展更是從無到有,從單純的一紙宣言到如今內容豐富的行動計畫、任務小組,與反恐會議等。在檢視APEC內部與外部相關變數的基礎上,本文發現新恐怖主義的威脅、美國反恐外交的進行、國際安全環境與安全觀的轉變、各經濟體本身利益的考量、恐怖主義的經濟效應,以及APEC獨特的機制等,可說是反恐議題在APEC架構下迅速發展的主因。而反恐議題的興起同時也將APEC塑造成為亞太區域反恐合作的主要平台,使APEC開始關注區域經濟安全的合作,擴大APEC領袖會議的影響力,並刺激APEC檢討、改革其組織運作的過程。是以,討論或處理政治、安全相關的問題似不再是APEC的禁忌,是不是具備充分的內外因素支持、壓力,與共識則更應是關鍵。
After the occurrence of the 9/11 incident, which also broke APEC's limitation on addressing security issues officially, the issue of countering terrorism has evolved from a single statement to a full-fledged issue area with relevant action plans, specific taskforce, and meetings. By examining associated variables both within and without APEC, this paper discovers that the threat of new terrorism, the proceeding of American counter-terrorism diplomacy, the transformation of international security environment and security conceptualization, the consideration of individual economy's interests, the economic impact of terrorism, and the unique institution of APEC are indeed key factors underpinning the rapid development of counter-terrorism issue in APEC. At the same time, the emergence of counterterrorism issue has been building APEC as a main platform for regional counterterrorism cooperation in the Asia Pacific, forcing APEC to care about cooperation for regional economic security, expanding the influence of APEC Leaders' Meeting, and stimulating APEC to review and reform its process and organization. As a result, discussing or addressing political and security issues seems no longer a taboo for APEC; instead, whether there is sufficient support from internal and external factors, pressures, and consensus might be more critical.