Somalia has banned the entry and transit of Taiwanese passport holders, a move Taiwan says was made under Chinese pressure. The ban, announced by Somalia’s civil aviation authority, took effect Wednesday, according to Al Jazeera.

Taiwan slammed the decision, accusing Somalia of utilizing the UN's 1971 Resolution 2758 and the "one China" principle to falsely claim Taiwan as part of China.

The action comes amid strengthening connections between Taiwan and Somaliland, a breakaway province claimed by Somalia. Both opened representative offices in 2020, which infuriated Mogadishu.

China applauded Somalia's action, describing it as a reaffirmation of the one China concept. Taiwan, on the other hand, said that the restriction would have little impact, citing only 16 Taiwanese travels to Somalia since 2016, Al Jazeera reported