NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Taiwan has accused Kenya of committing human rights abuses against its nationals attending a global oceans conference held in Mombasa. The Taiwanese government claims that Chinese influence played a role in the Kenyan authorities' decision to restrict the scholars' participation in the event.

Taiwan's foreign ministry revealed that the scholars faced significant disruptions, including the confiscation of their passports and mobile phones. They were reportedly detained for over 20 hours before being deported back to Taiwan. The ministry emphasized its strong condemnation of China's pressure on the Kenyan government, asserting that such actions violate human rights and international standards.

In response, Kenya's Foreign Ministry Principal Secretary, Korir Sing'oei, defended the country's actions. He stated that Kenya's foreign policy recognizes only one China, indicating that individuals with Taiwanese passports would typically not be permitted entry into the country. Sing'oei clarified that without proper documentation, these scholars would not be allowed to attend formal state meetings organized by the Kenyan government.

The conference, focused on crucial ocean-related issues such as climate change, biodiversity, and pollution, has attracted hundreds of delegates from various regions, including Africa, the United States, the European Union, and vulnerable island nations from the Caribbean and Pacific. This year's event is particularly significant as Africa is hosting it for the first time and aims to position the continent as a pivotal player in global ocean governance.

The historical context of the Taiwan-China relationship adds complexity to the situation. Since the split in 1949, following a civil war, China has consistently viewed Taiwan as a breakaway province and has advocated for its reunification, often emphasizing that it may resort to force if necessary to achieve this goal.

As tensions continue to rise in this matter, the implications of Taiwan's exclusion from the global platform underscore the broader geopolitical struggles shaped by China’s influence and the ongoing disputes over sovereignty and recognition on the international stage.