Somalia's new travel restrictions against Taiwanese passport holders reflect the growing influence of Chinese pressures on African nations and Taiwan's strategic partnerships in the region.
**Taiwan Reacts Strongly to Somalia's Travel Ban on Taiwanese Passport Holders**
**Taiwan Reacts Strongly to Somalia's Travel Ban on Taiwanese Passport Holders**
Taiwan condemns Somalia's decision amidst escalating tensions over diplomatic ties with Somaliland.
The ongoing geopolitical tussle over Taiwan's international recognition has taken another turn, as Somalia has barred entry to Taiwanese passport holders. This decision was announced by Taiwan's foreign ministry, which attributed the move to increasing Chinese pressure on Somalia. Taipei has been actively strengthening its ties with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region that has consistently resisted Chinese influence in Africa.
Somaliland, with a population of approximately five million, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 amidst the chaos of a collapsing central government. Despite its existing governance structures, it lacks widespread international recognition, complicating efforts to formalize trade and security agreements or regulate its air transportation.
In recent years, Somaliland has sought to deepen its diplomatic relations with Taiwan, provoking outrage from both Somalia and China, as they try to thwart Taiwan's engagement in the region. Somaliland is reportedly seeking diplomatic recognition from the U.S. following years of fostering connections with Republican legislators and conservative think tanks.
The travel ban on Taiwanese passports came in the wake of Taiwan's foreign minister's visit to Eswatini, one of Taiwan's few remaining allies in Africa. The Somali Civil Aviation Authority notified airline operators that starting Wednesday, Taiwanese nationals would not be permitted to “enter, exit and transit” through Somalia.
The Somali authorities referenced their compliance with United Nations Resolution 2758, enacted in 1971, which recognized the People's Republic of China as the legitimate representative of China at the UN. Although the resolution does not explicitly address Taiwan's sovereignty, Beijing interprets it as legitimizing its claims over the island.
Somaliland, with a population of approximately five million, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 amidst the chaos of a collapsing central government. Despite its existing governance structures, it lacks widespread international recognition, complicating efforts to formalize trade and security agreements or regulate its air transportation.
In recent years, Somaliland has sought to deepen its diplomatic relations with Taiwan, provoking outrage from both Somalia and China, as they try to thwart Taiwan's engagement in the region. Somaliland is reportedly seeking diplomatic recognition from the U.S. following years of fostering connections with Republican legislators and conservative think tanks.
The travel ban on Taiwanese passports came in the wake of Taiwan's foreign minister's visit to Eswatini, one of Taiwan's few remaining allies in Africa. The Somali Civil Aviation Authority notified airline operators that starting Wednesday, Taiwanese nationals would not be permitted to “enter, exit and transit” through Somalia.
The Somali authorities referenced their compliance with United Nations Resolution 2758, enacted in 1971, which recognized the People's Republic of China as the legitimate representative of China at the UN. Although the resolution does not explicitly address Taiwan's sovereignty, Beijing interprets it as legitimizing its claims over the island.
