Taiwan has accused China of exerting pressure on Kenya to prevent Taiwanese experts from participating in the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, describing the move as an act of diplomatic intimidation aimed at further isolating the island from international engagement.

In a statement, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) condemned the incident and said Beijing’s actions undermined the principles of international cooperation and inclusivity. The developments were reported by The Taipei Times.

Taiwanese Experts Denied Access to Main Conference

According to the report, the controversy arose after Taiwanese academics who had received official invitations from Kenyan authorities travelled to the country and attended a pre-conference exchange event.

During the event, the delegates presented research findings and policy reports related to ocean governance and maritime issues.

However, they were subsequently denied access to the main conference after Kenyan officials reportedly refused to recognise their Taiwanese passports.

Taiwan Alleges Delegates Were Detained

Taiwan’s foreign ministry said efforts by Taiwanese representatives in the region to resolve the issue proved unsuccessful.

According to MOFA, the academics were detained for nearly 20 hours, during which their passports and mobile phones were confiscated before they were eventually permitted to leave.

Taiwan strongly criticised the treatment and called on China to stop actions that it said undermine international maritime cooperation and global dialogue.

Formal Protest Lodged With Kenya

Taipei lodged a formal protest with the Kenyan government, arguing that the decision was inconsistent with the conference’s stated emphasis on cooperation and inclusivity.

The ministry also urged democratic countries and like-minded partners to recognise and counter what it described as China’s coercive diplomatic practices.

Taiwan has repeatedly accused Beijing of using diplomatic and political pressure to restrict its participation in international organisations and forums.

Officials Feared Further Complications

Taiwan’s Oceans Affairs Council had initially considered sending government officials to the conference but ultimately decided against it.

According to the report, authorities feared that the presence of senior officials could further complicate relations with Kenyan authorities.

Taiwan has participated in the Our Ocean Conference since 2015 and said its exclusion overlooked years of contributions to international ocean governance.

Oceans Affairs Minister Criticises Kenya

Oceans Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling criticised Kenya’s handling of the issue and warned that excluding long-standing participants would undermine the credibility of international platforms.

The minister said the decision not only affected Taiwan’s interests but also damaged the spirit of openness and cooperation that such forums seek to promote.

Concerns were also raised over the implications of the incident for future international collaboration on maritime and environmental issues.

Taiwan Announces Withdrawal From Event

Following the controversy, Taiwan announced that it would withdraw from the conference, according to The Taipei Times.

The move marked the latest instance of tensions arising over Taiwan’s participation in international events amid growing pressure from Beijing.

China considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has consistently opposed efforts by Taipei to participate independently in international forums and organisations.

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