The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) recently accused China of pressuring countries to adopt the One-China policy, leading to six countries deciding to disallow visa-free entry for Taiwanese citizens. According to the National Audit Office, the number of countries offering preferential visas to Taiwanese citizens has decreased from 171 to 166.
Since April, Taiwanese passport holders can no longer enjoy visa-free entry into Nauru, Gambia, and Kiribati. Additionally, Colombia and Botswana have also canceled visa-free entries for Taiwanese citizens. MOFA attributed these changes to countries succumbing to pressure from the Chinese government.
Earlier this month, Taiwan faced difficulties sending officials to Macau, a Special Administrative Region that requires adherence to the One-China policy for visa issuance. Mainland Affairs Council spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh urged Macau officials not to create unnecessary obstacles in fulfilling state obligations.
Tensions between Taipei and Beijing have escalated since the election of President Lai Ching-te, a fervent supporter of independence. Beijing officials have openly expressed their intentions to penalize Taiwanese leaders and citizens through various means. Chinese coast guard ships are currently patrolling the Taiwan Strait in an attempt to intimidate Taiwan.
At the recent Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China Policy (IPAC) summit in Taipei, a resolution was passed questioning UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, frequently used by Beijing to support its One-China stance. Taiwan also formally joined IPAC at the summit, further straining relations with Beijing.
MOFA has promised to keep the public updated on any visa-policy changes. For more news updates, follow our Facebook page.
