TAIPEI, Taiwan: Visas issued by Cameroon to Taiwanese officials for a World Trade Organization summit were riddled with so many errors that it forced Taiwan to cancel its plans to attend.
The Taiwanese foreign ministry had initially complained that they had been listed as coming from China.
Taiwan, which China claims as its own, is a member of only a few international organizations, one of which is the WTO. It joined in 2002 under the name "Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu," referring to the islands it controls.
Last week, Taiwan's foreign ministry said it complained to the WTO and Cameroon because Cameroon listed Taiwan as "Taiwan, province of China" in its travel documents.
On March 26, Taiwan said Cameroon later offered a fix by allowing its delegation to enter without visas. However, the new documents contained many errors, including misspelled names and the listing of almost everyone as female.
Taiwan criticized Cameroon, saying it handled the issue carelessly and without sincerity. It added that using such incorrect documents could cause problems or embarrassment upon entry to the country. After reviewing the situation, Taiwan decided not to attend the meeting.
Cameroon's foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment.
A WTO spokesperson said that, following discussions led by its director-general, new visas were issued on March 20 at Taiwan's request, but did not provide further details.
Taiwan, which is the world's leading producer of advanced semiconductors, said this is the first time in 25 years that it will miss a WTO ministerial meeting since joining the WTO.
China, which has strong ties with many African countries, has been increasing efforts to limit Taiwan's participation internationally, saying Taiwan is just a Chinese province.
Taiwan, which is not part of the United Nations, has also been angered by China's pressure to block its participation in the World Health Organization, even as an observer.
In response to Taiwan's participation in the WTO meeting on March 31, China said Taiwan was trying to use the event for political purposes and to promote independence.
Taiwan's elected government rejects this, saying China has no right to represent or speak on its behalf.
