Chinese diplomats have been actively pressuring lawmakers from at least six countries not to attend a China-focused summit in Taiwan. The summit, organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, is set to begin on Monday and has drawn the attention of politicians from Bolivia, Colombia, Slovakia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and another Asian country that chose to remain anonymous.
Lawmakers reported receiving texts, calls, and urgent requests for meetings from Chinese diplomats, with some describing the efforts as attempts to isolate Taiwan. Messages sent by Chinese officials inquired about lawmakers' plans to attend the summit, with some messages being more direct and even menacing in nature.
Despite facing pressure and threats from Chinese diplomats, several lawmakers expressed their determination to attend the summit in Taiwan. The Chinese government has a history of retaliating against countries and politicians that show support for Taiwan, which Beijing considers its own territory.
The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, which aims to coordinate diplomacy in response to perceived threats from Beijing, has faced significant pressure from the Chinese government. Chinese officials have targeted the group's members in various ways, including sanctions and cyberattacks.
This year's summit is expected to host lawmakers from 25 countries and will include high-level meetings with Taiwanese officials. The pressure from Chinese officials to deter participants from attending has been described as unprecedented by the alliance's director.
Despite China's efforts to peel off Taiwan's diplomatic allies, the island nation continues to receive support from various countries. Lawmakers targeted by Chinese diplomats have expressed their commitment to attending the summit to exchange information and show support for Taiwan in the face of challenges posed by China.
China's aggressive tactics have triggered backlash in the international community, with some countries taking action against Beijing for its behavior towards Taiwan. The coercive measures employed by Chinese diplomats have only strengthened the resolve of lawmakers to participate in the summit.
The Taiwanese Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the situation.
