Taiwan has vocally condemned Somalia for its newly instated travel ban on Taiwanese passport holders, which prohibits entry or transit through the East African nation. This restriction was implemented following an order from Somali aviation authorities last week and took effect on Wednesday, according to Taiwan's foreign ministry. The ministry stated that Somalia has yet to respond to the criticisms of the ban, which comes amidst Taiwan's increasing diplomatic relations with Somaliland, a region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and remains largely unrecognized internationally.
In 2020, Somaliland and Taiwan established diplomatic presence in each other's capitals, a move that angered both China and Somalia. Somalia's civil aviation authority issued a notice instructing airlines that Taiwanese passports would no longer be accepted for entry or transit starting April 30, as detailed in a recent statement from the Taiwanese foreign ministry. Taiwan's ministry expressed strong disapproval, claiming the ban is influenced by China and limits the travel freedom and safety of Taiwanese citizens.
Taiwan has urged its citizens to avoid travel to Somalia and Somaliland until the ban is lifted, highlighting concerns for their safety. The lack of response from both Somaliland and Somalia continues to accentuate the diplomatic tensions in the region. In a separate statement, the Chinese foreign ministry expressed support for Somalia's move, claiming it signifies adherence to the "one-China" principle, further complicating Taiwan's already precarious international standing.
Taiwan maintains an independent government structure and conducts democratic elections, a fact contested by China, which sees Taiwan as a part of its territory. Despite these tensions, Taiwan has managed to cultivate limited international relationships, but its recognition continues to dwindle under China's diplomatic pressure, with only a few nations acknowledging its sovereignty in Africa and beyond. Somaliland resembles Taiwan in its lack of international recognition, yet both territories continue to seek mutual support amid their respective isolation.
In 2020, Somaliland and Taiwan established diplomatic presence in each other's capitals, a move that angered both China and Somalia. Somalia's civil aviation authority issued a notice instructing airlines that Taiwanese passports would no longer be accepted for entry or transit starting April 30, as detailed in a recent statement from the Taiwanese foreign ministry. Taiwan's ministry expressed strong disapproval, claiming the ban is influenced by China and limits the travel freedom and safety of Taiwanese citizens.
Taiwan has urged its citizens to avoid travel to Somalia and Somaliland until the ban is lifted, highlighting concerns for their safety. The lack of response from both Somaliland and Somalia continues to accentuate the diplomatic tensions in the region. In a separate statement, the Chinese foreign ministry expressed support for Somalia's move, claiming it signifies adherence to the "one-China" principle, further complicating Taiwan's already precarious international standing.
Taiwan maintains an independent government structure and conducts democratic elections, a fact contested by China, which sees Taiwan as a part of its territory. Despite these tensions, Taiwan has managed to cultivate limited international relationships, but its recognition continues to dwindle under China's diplomatic pressure, with only a few nations acknowledging its sovereignty in Africa and beyond. Somaliland resembles Taiwan in its lack of international recognition, yet both territories continue to seek mutual support amid their respective isolation.
