Trending:Iran protestsSergio GorJerome PowellUS-Venezuela tensionsGolden Globes 2026India vs NZChina presses European nations to block entry of Taiwanese politicians: ReportFP News Desk • January 13, 2026, 08:05:27 ISTWhatsapp Facebook TwitterChina urged several European governments to deny entry to Taiwanese politicians, citing border laws and warning against crossing Beijing’s “red lines”AdvertisementSubscribe Join Us+ Follow us On GoogleChoose Firstpost on GoogleIn a series of diplomatic approaches, Chinese officials pressed European governments to block Taiwanese politicians from entering their countries, arguing that domestic border laws required such action and warning against crossing Beijing’s “red lines”. The efforts, which took place in November and December, followed recent visits by senior Taiwanese figures to Europe and were conveyed through embassies in Beijing and capitals across the continent, reported The Guardian. According to more than half a dozen diplomats and officials familiar with the matter, the approaches included written notes verbales and in-person meetings, directed either at individual countries or groups of states. European diplomats and ministries told The Guardian the messages cautioned governments not to undermine China’s core interests. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADLegal arguments cited in diplomatic notesBeijing said it “respects the sovereignty of the European side in introducing and implementing visa policy”, but claimed an “institutional loophole” had enabled frequent visits by Taiwanese politicians, according to one note verbale seen by the outlet. Chinese officials cited several EU laws and regulations, including the Schengen Borders Code, which states that non-EU nationals may be denied entry if they are “considered to be a threat to the … international relations of any of the member states”. The suggestion, as understood by the Guardian, was that allowing Taiwanese officials to enter Europe would harm a country’s relations with China. More from World China uses mineral dominance to squeeze Japan after Taiwan remarks US to provide $45 million aid to Thailand, Cambodia to support regional stabilityIn some cases, the officials also referred to the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations or suggested European countries follow the UN’s example by barring all Taiwanese people from government buildings. Scope of visits highlighted by BeijingThe note verbale urged European countries to reject any “so-called diplomatic passports” issued by Taiwan and to “prohibit Taiwanese personnel from entering Europe to seek official contact and exchanges and trample on China’s red line”.“China hopes the EU institutions and European countries will, out of the larger interests of China-EU relations and bilateral relations, make the political decision of refusing the entry of Taiwan’s so-called president or vice president (former ones included),” it said, listing other officials as well. Beijing cited visits to Belgium, the Czech Republic, Poland, the Netherlands, Italy, Australia, Germany, Lithuania, Denmark, Estonia and Ireland, saying these trips “seriously undermine China-EU relations”. Quick ReadsView AllBangladesh: Hindu auto driver beaten to death amid rising attacks on minorities, say local mediaNepal: Oli claims Gen Z-led protests that ousted his government were 'pre-planned,' not spontaneous“The European side … even indulged [vice-president] Hsiao Bi-khim to speak at the building of the European parliament and promote ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist claims,” the note said, referring to her address at the annual summit of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China in Brussels. European and UK responsesThe foreign ministries of Norway and Finland confirmed they were among those to receive the advice, saying visa arrangements with Taiwan were determined by relevant Schengen bodies. A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office said, “Permission to enter the UK is determined solely by our own laws and immigration ru.
