Taiwan has condemned Somalia for implementing new entry restrictions on Taiwanese citizens, asserting that the move is a result of Chinese influence in the region.
Taiwan Accuses Somalia of Yielding to Chinese Pressure with Passport Ban
Taiwan Accuses Somalia of Yielding to Chinese Pressure with Passport Ban
Taiwan's foreign ministry reacts sharply after Somalia announces new restrictions against Taiwanese passport holders.
In a significant diplomatic shift, Somalia has decided to restrict entry for Taiwanese passport holders, a move that Taiwan's foreign ministry attributes to Chinese pressure. This development comes as Taiwan strengthens its relations with Somaliland, a self-declared independent territory that opposes China's expanding influence in Africa. Somaliland, which has been unrecognized internationally since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, has recently intensified its diplomatic engagement with Taiwan, seeking to bolster support against Beijing.
The ban on Taiwanese passport holders follows a visit by Taiwan's foreign minister to Eswatini, one of its last remaining allies in Africa. According to Taiwan's foreign ministry, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority informed airlines last week that as of Wednesday, Taiwanese citizens would not be permitted to enter, exit, or transit through Somalia. The Somali authorities justified this action by referencing United Nations Resolution 2758, adopted in 1971, which recognizes the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate representative of China at the UN.
Despite Somalia's claim, the resolution does not explicitly address Taiwan's sovereignty status, which remains a contentious issue. Taiwan has long maintained its independence from China, which it views as a territory under its jurisdiction. The diplomatic tensions have escalated further with Somaliland's efforts to court recognition from the Trump administration, underscoring the complex international dynamics at play.
Taiwan has reiterated its commitment to supporting Somaliland's quest for greater international recognition, while Somali leaders face criticism for their decision to comply with Beijing's assertions. This incident highlights the ongoing geopolitical struggle between Taiwan and China, particularly as smaller nations navigate their relationships with these competing powers.
The ban on Taiwanese passport holders follows a visit by Taiwan's foreign minister to Eswatini, one of its last remaining allies in Africa. According to Taiwan's foreign ministry, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority informed airlines last week that as of Wednesday, Taiwanese citizens would not be permitted to enter, exit, or transit through Somalia. The Somali authorities justified this action by referencing United Nations Resolution 2758, adopted in 1971, which recognizes the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate representative of China at the UN.
Despite Somalia's claim, the resolution does not explicitly address Taiwan's sovereignty status, which remains a contentious issue. Taiwan has long maintained its independence from China, which it views as a territory under its jurisdiction. The diplomatic tensions have escalated further with Somaliland's efforts to court recognition from the Trump administration, underscoring the complex international dynamics at play.
Taiwan has reiterated its commitment to supporting Somaliland's quest for greater international recognition, while Somali leaders face criticism for their decision to comply with Beijing's assertions. This incident highlights the ongoing geopolitical struggle between Taiwan and China, particularly as smaller nations navigate their relationships with these competing powers.
