China has intensified pressure on European countries, urging them to prevent Taiwanese politicians from visiting, claiming that allowing them entry crosses a “red line.” The diplomatic push has sparked concern among smaller nations and stirred debates over international rules and sovereignty.
Strong Warnings to European Governments Over Taiwanese Politicians
In recent months, Chinese officials have been actively communicating with European countries, asking them to bar Taiwanese politicians from entering their territories. The requests came through official diplomatic channels, including letters called note verbales and in-person visits to embassies. The warnings emphasized that allowing Taiwanese officials into Europe could harm the nations’ relations with China.
The push appears to be a response to several trips made by Taiwanese officials in late 2025. These included visits by Taiwan’s vice president, foreign minister, and even a former president. Beijing described these trips as exploiting a loophole in European border laws, allowing Taiwan politicians to travel and meet officials freely.
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Chinese authorities referenced European regulations, including the Schengen Borders Code, which sets rules for allowing non-European nationals into the region. The officials suggested that letting Taiwanese politicians enter could threaten a country’s international relations with China. In some cases, they even referred to global agreements like the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and suggested following examples set by the United Nations by limiting Taiwanese access to government buildings.
Officials reportedly listed a number of European countries that had hosted Taiwanese visits, including Belgium, the Czech Republic, Poland, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Lithuania, Denmark, Estonia, and Ireland. According to China, these visits “seriously undermine China-EU relations.” The Chinese also objected to events where Taiwanese officials spoke publicly, such as a speech at a parliamentary building in Brussels.
Mixed Responses from Europe
The European countries that received these warnings reacted differently. Some took the Chinese advice seriously, particularly smaller nations worried about diplomatic and economic consequences. Others, however, insisted that entry permissions for Taiwanese officials remain under their own control and based on their own laws.
Countries such as Norway and Finland confirmed they had received China’s advice but emphasized that visa rules for Taiwan are determined by the Schengen bodies, not Beijing. The United Kingdom also stressed that permission to enter the country depends solely on British immigration laws, which apply equally to Taiwanese visitors.
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Meanwhile, Taiwan’s foreign ministry rejected China’s interference, stating that the officials’ trips were unrelated to Beijing. Taiwan criticized China for threatening other countries and said such actions are what truly damage international relations.
Analysts suggest that China’s approach is consistent with its long-standing strategy of isolating Taiwan from international engagement. The move is seen not as an outright threat but as a strong reminder to countries considering hosting Taiwanese officials that China is closely monitoring such activities.
Beijing’s Diplomatic Pressure Explained
China’s actions reflect a broader effort to assert influence over how the international community interacts with Taiwan. Beijing claims Taiwan as a province and opposes any moves that suggest Taiwanese independence or sovereignty. This includes discouraging other countries from hosting Taiwanese leaders, even in unofficial or trade-related settings.
In its communications, China requested that European countries refuse entry to Taiwanese officials holding so-called diplomatic passports. The note highlighted that Taiwan’s visits to government buildings or international meetings “trample on China’s red line.” The messages also emphasized the broader interests of China-Europe relations, urging European nations to make political decisions that align with Beijing’s view.
European responses illustrate the tension between respecting China’s position and maintaining independent diplomatic policies. While the EU has formal relations with China, it also maintains unofficial ties with Taiwan through trade offices and parliamentary exchanges. These informal channels allow cooperation without formally recognizing Taiwan as a sovereign state.
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Despite the warnings, most European countries continue to manage Taiwanese visits according to their own rules. Analysts note that China’s statements, while legally debatable, aim to create unease among EU member states, particularly those seeking Chinese investment. This tactic encourages caution and self-censorship, even if countries are not legally obligated to comply.
By referencing existing European laws and international conventions, Beijing seeks to frame its position as legally justified. However, diplomats and experts argue that Europe does not share China’s view that hosting Taiwanese officials threatens EU-China relations.