Uganda detains Taiwanese passports citing 'one China policy,' economic leverage limited

Taiwanese citizens have faced increasing difficulties entering Uganda, with recent incidents involving immigration officials detaining passports. In one case, three Taiwanese businesspeople and their families were denied entry and had their passports held until they could present Chinese passports, citing the "one China policy."

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has engaged with Ugandan authorities through its representative office in Somaliland. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung stated that Taiwan handles diplomatic relations based on principles of reciprocity and mutual benefit. He advised Taiwanese citizens to avoid traveling to Uganda if unnecessary, as the situation remains unofficial.

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Regarding incidents of entry or visa issues in Uganda, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately asked our representative office in Somaliland to engage and understand the situation, and to provide assistance to our citizens.

Discussions are underway regarding potential economic countermeasures by Taiwan. However, trade data suggests Taiwan's leverage is limited. In 2023, Taiwan exported $3.41 million USD to Uganda while importing $1.69 million USD, resulting in a trade surplus for Taiwan. This limited trade volume complicates the effectiveness of economic sanctions.

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We will continue to engage and urge our citizens to avoid traveling to these countries if unnecessary.

If Taiwan were to impose retaliatory measures, focusing on imports might be an option. Coffee, tea, and spices, along with miscellaneous chemical products, constitute the majority of Taiwan's imports from Uganda. However, the overall scale remains small. Similarly, export restrictions on Taiwanese machinery, plastics, and electrical equipment to Uganda might not significantly impact Uganda due to the limited trade volume and potential for alternative suppliers.

The situation presents a dilemma for Taiwan: how to exert pressure on Uganda without harming its own businesses. The extent to which diplomatic protests will extend to economic measures, and how Taiwan will balance pressuring Uganda with protecting its businesses, will be key points to watch.

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Of course, it will affect bilateral relations, especially if there are economic and cultural exchanges, and our country handles it on the principle of reciprocity and mutual benefit.