By Noela EBOB BISONG
Taiwan has said it is boycotting the 14th Ministerial Conference hosted by Cameroon, raising issues of mutual respect, adherence to established practices and commitment to fundamental principles guarding the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
According to Taiwan, Cameroon showed disregard for its nationality by recognising it as part of China. In a statement expressing its involuntary absence at the Conference, Taiwan writes that, “The host member mis-designated our nationality entry in the courtesy visas, as ‘Taiwan, Province of China’, a designation that implies we fall under the sovereignty of another member”.
According to Taiwan, the action by Cameroon, “is plainly incompatible with our status as a full Member of the WTO and directly undermines our rights under the WTO Agreement.”
The Press Release furthers that, “The said mis-designation marks an unexpected, unilateral and unlawful deviation from the established practices of past Ministerial Conferences. It also demonstrates that the government of Cameroon, as the host member of the highest decision-making body of the WTO, chooses to prioritize its bilateral policy concerns above its obligations under the multilateral legal order.”
Stating that Cameroon refused to shift stance even after Taiwan raised the issue, it says, “The conduct of Cameroon must not be regarded as a precedent, and future host members must ensure that such a breach of established practice abd fundamental principles is not repeated.”
The 14th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC14) will be hosted by Cameroon in capital city Yaoundé, from March 26 to 29, 2026. The four-day conference, held at the Yaoundé Conference Centre, will have as focus global trade reforms, digital commerce, and development.
Taiwan is situated in East Asia.