Did China pressure Sarawak to ban Taiwan travellers again?

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China Pressured Sarawak to Reinstate Travel Ban on Taiwan Travellers

Taiwan's Foreign Minister has stated that China pressured the Malaysian state of Sarawak to reinstate a ban on travellers from Taiwan. This action was described by Taiwan as China taking "joy" in measures against the island. Sarawak, which possesses its own immigration controls separate from the rest of Malaysia, had initially included Taiwan in a broader ban on visitors from China before removing it.
Sarawak's Initial Ban and Subsequent Reinstatement

Sarawak had initially imposed a ban on visitors from China, which also encompassed Taiwan. Following a complaint from Taiwan, this ban was lifted. However, Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu later tweeted that China had compelled Sarawak to reintroduce the travel ban on Taiwan.
China's Alleged Motivation and Taiwan's Stance

The Taiwanese Foreign Minister suggested that China derives satisfaction from asserting influence over Taiwan and subsequently expecting gratitude. Taiwan maintains that it is an independent country and not part of China, asserting that Beijing has no authority over the island's health policies. The island has reported 42 cases and one death from the coronavirus.
Broader Context of China-Taiwan Relations

The coronavirus crisis has exacerbated existing tensions between China and Taiwan, with Beijing claiming sovereignty over the island. This incident is not the first time Taiwan has faced travel restrictions due to its perceived association with China, with similar issues previously arising with Vietnam and the Philippines, though these countries eventually lifted their bans after Taipei's complaints.

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Did China pressure Sarawak to ban Taiwan travellers again?

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