Taiwan has strongly condemned Somalia’s decision to ban holders of Taiwanese passports from entering or transiting through the country, describing it as a politically motivated move driven by China.
- Somalia banned holders of Taiwanese passports from entering or transiting through the country, under pressure from China
- Taiwan accused China of instigating the ban, calling it a politically motivated move
- Somalia has yet to comment on the ban, while Taiwan demanded an immediate reversal
The ban affecting Taiwan passport holders, and traced to China’s influence, took effect on Wednesday and was enforced by Somali aviation authorities following a directive issued last week.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry accused China of instigating the decision through its influence over Somalia, in line with Beijing’s “One-China” policy, which considers Taiwan a part of its territory.
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According to the BBC, Somalia has yet to comment on the ban, which comes as Taiwan—a self-governing island claimed by China—strengthens diplomatic ties with Somaliland, a region that broke away from Somalia 34 years ago but remains largely unrecognized internationally.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed outrage, calling the ban an infringement on the travel rights and safety of Taiwanese citizens.
The ministry demanded an immediate reversal, alleging the move is part of China’s broader campaign to isolate Taiwan diplomatically.
The latest development comes amid growing diplomatic tensions as Taiwan pushes to expand its global presence, while China intensifies efforts to block any recognition of Taiwan’s sovereignty
Taiwan-Somalia tensions escalate
The establishment of diplomatic offices between Somaliland and Taiwan in 2020 significantly heightened tensions between Taiwan and Somalia by challenging the sovereignty claims of both Somalia and China.
Somalia views Somaliland as a breakaway region and strongly defends its territorial integrity, just as China regards Taiwan as a renegade province under the “One-China” policy.
Taiwan’s engagement with Somaliland—seen by Mogadishu as an implicit recognition of Somaliland’s independence—was met with sharp disapproval.
The diplomatic rift has now deepened with Somalia’s recent ban on entry and transit for Taiwanese passport holders, a move Taipei claims was orchestrated under Beijing’s influence.
China welcomed the decision, describing it as a “legitimate measure” that reflects Somalia’s firm adherence to the “One-China principle,” according to Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.
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Taiwan, which operates as a self-governing democracy with its own constitution and elected leaders, continues to face mounting diplomatic isolation amid pressure from China.
The latest passport ban is part of a broader pattern of international pushback against Taiwan’s attempts to expand its global partnerships.
