China’s Influence on Taiwan’s International Access: Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Speaks Out

TAIPEI, Taiwan — China’s efforts to influence other countries to restrict Taiwan’s participation in international events have intensified. Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-Lung highlighted this trend on Wednesday. His remarks followed an incident in which Taiwanese delegates were detained in Kenya, barred from attending an ocean conference. This was reportedly due to Chinese pressure on the organizers.

China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has not ruled out using force to annex it. Lately, Beijing has increased pressure on other countries to exclude Taiwanese officials and delegates from events. In April, Taiwan’s president postponed a visit to Eswatini after three countries, under Chinese pressure, denied his flight access to their airspaces. He later reached Eswatini on a chartered plane.

In a recent occurrence, two Taiwanese delegates to the ‘Our Ocean Conference’ in Mombasa faced denial of entry. Kenya did not recognize their Taiwanese passports. Their passports and phones were seized, and they were detained for over 20 hours before leaving the country. Following this incident, the remaining Taiwanese delegation withdrew from the conference.

Kenya justified its actions. Foreign Ministry Secretary Korir Sing’oei stated that Kenya’s foreign policy adheres to recognizing only one China. Lin criticized Kenya’s stance, labeling it a ‘unilateral distortion’ and urged for reconsideration. He condemned Kenya’s actions at an event by the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents’ Club.

China has not responded to these accusations. Historically, China has worked to limit Taiwan’s representation in international organizations, such as the World Health Organization. At the Olympics, Taiwan competes under the name ‘Chinese Taipei’ due to Chinese influence. Lin noted a growing trend where China pressures countries, especially emerging economies dependent on Beijing, to exclude Taiwan. Lin mentioned, “Some Global South countries face manipulation by China, while some democratic nations resist.”

Kenya is hosting the annual oceans conference focused on addressing ocean issues like climate change and pollution. Delegates from Africa, the U.S., the EU, and other nations are participating. This event aims to establish Africa as a key player in global ocean governance.

Sing’oei noted that holders of Taiwanese passports typically lack proper documentation for entry into Kenya and emphasized these individuals would be excluded from formal state meetings in Kenya.

China and Taiwan have operated separately since 1949, following a civil war that led the Communist Party to power in Beijing. Nationalist Party forces relocated to Taiwan, which evolved from martial law to a multiparty democracy. For decades, China has claimed Taiwan as its territory, insisting control, by force if necessary, is essential.