The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has accused China of pressuring countries to adopt the One-China policy, leading to six countries no longer allowing visa-free entry for Taiwanese citizens. This allegation comes after the National Audit Office reported a decrease in the number of countries offering preferential visas to Taiwanese citizens, dropping from 171 to 166.
Since April, changes have taken place where 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 attributes these changes to countries succumbing to pressure from the Chinese government.
Recently, Taiwan faced difficulties sending officials to Macau, a Special Administrative Region, as adherence to the One-China policy is required 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 President Lai Ching-te’s election in May. President Lai, a strong advocate for independence, has provoked Chinese officials who have openly expressed their intent 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 Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China Policy (IPAC) summit in Taipei, a resolution was passed questioning the UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, often used by Beijing to support their One-China stance. Taiwan formally joined IPAC at the summit, further straining relations with Beijing.
MOFA has promised to keep the public updated on any visa-policy changes as they occur. For more news updates, follow our Facebook page.
