Taiwan has expressed outrage over Somalia's recent travel restrictions that prohibit holders of Taiwanese passports from entering or transiting the East African nation. The ban took effect on Wednesday after an order from Somali aviation authorities, according to Taiwan's foreign ministry. Somalia has not yet responded to the announcement.
The travel ban appears to reflect growing anxieties over Taiwan's diplomatic relationships, especially as it strengthens ties with Somaliland, an autonomous region that declared its independence from Somalia 34 years ago but is largely unrecognized internationally. In a previous act of solidarity, Somaliland and Taiwan established embassies in each other's capitals in 2020, a move that drew ire from both Beijing and Somalia.
In a statement, Taiwan's foreign ministry condemned the travel restrictions as a "misinterpretation" of UN Resolution 2758 and accused Somalia of acting under pressure from China. The ministry has urged its citizens to refrain from traveling to Somalia or Somaliland until the ban is lifted for their safety.
China's foreign ministry responded by endorsing the ban, labeling it a legitimate measure that showcases Somalia's commitment to the "one China" principle. This situation underscores the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China, with Taiwan asserting its sovereignty through its own constitution and democratic elections.
While Taiwan is officially recognized by a few nations, Somalia does not officially recognize Somaliland's independence, leading to ongoing disputes. In contrast, Somaliland continues to hold its own democratic elections, unlike many regions in Somalia, which are plagued by instability and militant control.
As diplomatic relations shift, all eyes remain on how the situation will develop between Taiwan, Somaliland, and Somalia amidst the region's complex historical ties.
The travel ban appears to reflect growing anxieties over Taiwan's diplomatic relationships, especially as it strengthens ties with Somaliland, an autonomous region that declared its independence from Somalia 34 years ago but is largely unrecognized internationally. In a previous act of solidarity, Somaliland and Taiwan established embassies in each other's capitals in 2020, a move that drew ire from both Beijing and Somalia.
In a statement, Taiwan's foreign ministry condemned the travel restrictions as a "misinterpretation" of UN Resolution 2758 and accused Somalia of acting under pressure from China. The ministry has urged its citizens to refrain from traveling to Somalia or Somaliland until the ban is lifted for their safety.
China's foreign ministry responded by endorsing the ban, labeling it a legitimate measure that showcases Somalia's commitment to the "one China" principle. This situation underscores the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China, with Taiwan asserting its sovereignty through its own constitution and democratic elections.
While Taiwan is officially recognized by a few nations, Somalia does not officially recognize Somaliland's independence, leading to ongoing disputes. In contrast, Somaliland continues to hold its own democratic elections, unlike many regions in Somalia, which are plagued by instability and militant control.
As diplomatic relations shift, all eyes remain on how the situation will develop between Taiwan, Somaliland, and Somalia amidst the region's complex historical ties.
