Chinese diplomats are pressuring lawmakers from at least six countries not to attend a summit in Taiwan.
Politicians from Bolivia, Colombia, Slovakia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and one unnamed Asian country reported receiving texts, calls, and urgent meeting requests from Chinese officials. These actions aim to isolate Taiwan, a self-governed island that China claims as its own.
The summit, starting Monday, is organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC). IPAC includes lawmakers from 35 countries who are concerned about democratic approaches to Beijing. The Associated Press reviewed texts and emails showing Chinese diplomats contacting lawmakers about their plans to attend the summit.
One message to Antonio Miloshoski, a North Macedonian MP, asked if he would attend the Taiwan conference. Some lawmakers received vague inquiries, while others faced more direct demands. Sanela Klarić, a Bosnian MP, said Chinese diplomats pressured her party leader to stop her from traveling to Taiwan. Despite the pressure, Klarić remains determined to attend.
China often threatens retaliation against politicians and countries that support Taiwan. The pressure has strengthened Klarić's resolve to visit Taiwan. She recalled facing similar intimidation during the Balkans war in the 1990s.
China defended its claim to Taiwan and criticized Taiwan's recent military drills. The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not respond to requests for comment.
IPAC has faced pressure from China before, with some members sanctioned and targeted by hackers. However, recent pressure is unprecedented. Luke de Pulford, IPAC's director, called it "gross foreign interference."
Despite the pressure, lawmakers from 25 countries plan to attend the summit, which includes high-level meetings with Taiwanese officials. China's aggressive tactics have backfired, making participants more determined to attend and support Taiwan.
