Taiwan hits out at China virus travel bans

Taiwan yesterday hit out at countries that “confuse” it with China after the Philippines became the latest to impose a travel ban on the island over the deadly coronavirus outbreak.

Despite its cultural links and close proximity to China, Taiwan moved swiftly against the outbreak and currently has just 18 confirmed cases of the new virus.

But the self-ruled democracy has found itself increasingly caught up in travel restrictions aimed at China, where the outbreak has killed more than 1,000 people and infected over 42,000.

Late Monday the Philippines confirmed its current travel ban for China was being expanded to Taiwan under the so-called “one China” policy.

Beijing views Taiwan as its own territory — part of a “one China” — and has vowed to eventually take the island, by force if necessary.

Taiwan’s foreign ministry yesterday described that decision as “wrong and unilateral”.

“To confuse Taiwan with China has caused troubles for our side and in the international community,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou told reporters.

 

Taiwan hits out at China virus travel bans

Taiwan yesterday hit out at countries that confuse it with China after the Philippines became the latest to impose a travel ban on the island over the deadly coronavirus outbreak. Despite its cultural links and close proximity to China, Taiwan moved swiftly against the outbreak and currently has just 18 confirmed cases of the new virus. But the self-ruled democracy has found itself increasingly caught up in travel restrictions aimed at China, where the outbreak has killed more than 1,000 people and infected over 42,000. Late Monday the Philippines confirmed its current travel ban for China was being expanded to Taiwan under the so-called one China policy. Beijing views Taiwan as its own territory part of a one China and has vowed to eventually take the island, by force if necessary. Taiwans foreign ministry yesterday described that decision as wrong and unilateral. To confuse Taiwan with China has caused troubles for our side and in the international community, foreign ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou told reporters.