China urges European states to bar visits by Taiwanese politicians, diplomats say

Chinese officials have been pressing European countries to bar entry to Taiwanese politicians, according to more than half a dozen diplomats and officials familiar with the matter. The approaches were made as demarches to European embassies in Beijing or via local embassies to capitals, the diplomats told the Guardian.

The manner of the approaches varied: some were written notes verbale and others were made in person. They took place in November and December and were at least partly in response to recent European trips by Taiwan’s vice‑president, foreign minister and a former president. Beijing cited EU and Schengen rules, saying an "institutional loophole" had allowed frequent visits and suggested allowing Taiwanese officials would threaten relations with China.

A note verbale seen by the Guardian urged states to reject "so‑called diplomatic passports" and to "prohibit Taiwanese personnel from entering Europe to seek official contact and exchanges and trample on China’s red line". Norway and Finland confirmed they were among recipients and said visa regulations with Taiwan are determined by relevant Schengen bodies.

A UK foreign office spokesman said permission to enter the UK is determined solely by UK laws. Taiwan’s foreign ministry said visits to Europe were "entirely unrelated to China" and that China has no right to interfere, and called for China’s measures to be condemned. The Guardian reported that China’s foreign ministry did not respond to questions.

Key Topics

World, China, Taiwan, European Union, Schengen Borders Code, Hsiao Bi-khim