Taiwan has expressed strong condemnation over Somalia's recent travel ban affecting Taiwanese passport holders. Effective from Wednesday, the ban prohibits Taiwanese nationals from entering or transiting through Somalia, according to Taiwan's foreign ministry. The Somali aviation authorities issued this directive last week, but as of now, an official comment from Somalia is pending. This restriction surfaces amid Taiwan's strengthened relations with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region from Somalia that has limited international views of its sovereignty.
In 2020, Taiwan and Somaliland established embassies in each other's capitals, much to the dismay of both China and Somalia. Taiwan's Foreign Ministry has vehemently protested Somalia's move, alleging it is a response orchestrated by China aiming to undermine Taiwanese travel freedoms. Taiwan demands the immediate reversal of the ban, urging its citizens to avoid travel to the region until the situation improves.
Meanwhile, China's government has voiced approval of the Somali ban, labeling it a legitimate stance adhering to the "one-China principle." This has sparked broader debates over Taiwan's status, with China considering the island as part of its territory and threatening to take control if necessary. While Taiwan maintains its sovereignty through democratic processes, its global recognition has dwindled following diplomatic efforts by China.
The political landscape remains tense as both Taiwan and Somaliland strive for recognition amidst broader regional conflicts, particularly involving the militant group al-Shabab in Somalia and its ongoing turmoil.
In 2020, Taiwan and Somaliland established embassies in each other's capitals, much to the dismay of both China and Somalia. Taiwan's Foreign Ministry has vehemently protested Somalia's move, alleging it is a response orchestrated by China aiming to undermine Taiwanese travel freedoms. Taiwan demands the immediate reversal of the ban, urging its citizens to avoid travel to the region until the situation improves.
Meanwhile, China's government has voiced approval of the Somali ban, labeling it a legitimate stance adhering to the "one-China principle." This has sparked broader debates over Taiwan's status, with China considering the island as part of its territory and threatening to take control if necessary. While Taiwan maintains its sovereignty through democratic processes, its global recognition has dwindled following diplomatic efforts by China.
The political landscape remains tense as both Taiwan and Somaliland strive for recognition amidst broader regional conflicts, particularly involving the militant group al-Shabab in Somalia and its ongoing turmoil.
