[Politics] Attendance at Ocean Conference Blocked, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Denounces Kenya as China's Political Henchman

The "11th Our Ocean Conference" (OOC 11) was held in Kenya this year. Our scholars were invited to attend but were treated unfriendly by the organizers, which further led to the cancellation of the Ocean Affairs Council's participation in this conference. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today (16th) expressed strong protest and severe condemnation against China's pressure on the Kenyan government to reject our scholars from attending international marine academic exchange conferences, and for barbaric acts that violate human rights and international conventions, such as restricting personal and communication freedom. #Reporter Wang Chao-kun's interview report# The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that our scholars were invited by the host country of this year's "Our Ocean Conference," the Kenyan government, and traveled to the Kenyan city of Mombasa on the 14th to attend the pre-conference academic exchange meeting and present professional research reports. However, when the scholars went to the venue to register for entry, they were denied entry passes by the organizers on the grounds of not recognizing our passports. The Kenyan immigration department forcibly intervened. Despite our strenuous negotiations, their passports and mobile phones were confiscated, and they were detained for over 20 hours before being allowed to depart by plane. Due to this unforeseen situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that the Ocean Affairs Council originally planned to attend as usual, but considering the extremely unfriendly actions of the Kenyan government and the personal safety of the delegation members, we decided to cancel our participation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that as an indispensable partner in promoting global marine sustainability, we have participated in the "Our Ocean Conference" since 2015. In addition to actively promoting international marine affairs exchange and cooperation based on the principles of "professionalism, pragmatism, and contribution," we also encourage academia to participate and share our efforts and research findings in marine ecological conservation. Chen Yi-chun, Deputy Executive Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Public Affairs Department, said: "(Original sound) Kenya, as the host country of OOC, willingly became China's political henchman, openly violating the principles of inclusivity and cooperation advocated by OOC. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses strong protest against this." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that the Kenyan government, under strong intervention and pressure from China, disregarded our years of participation conventions and outstanding contributions, excluded us from participating, and even detained our attending scholars. This once again exposes China's barbaric and overbearing diplomatic conduct and its political thinking that prioritizes politics over marine sustainability expertise. Chen Yi-chun said: "(Original sound) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs severely condemns China's suppression of our international participation, which has reached the level of gangster-like behavior. We solemnly demand that China cease its barbaric actions that harm global marine affairs cooperation, and at the same time call on allied countries to pay attention and jointly curb China's escalating bullying diplomacy." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Taiwan, as a maritime nation, has always actively participated in global marine ecological conservation and environmental sustainable development. We will not be intimidated or yield to China's arbitrary and arrogant actions. We will continue to work hand in hand with the international community to promote global marine affairs cooperation.