As the global tech community converges on Taipei this week for Computex, one of the world’s largest tech trade shows, a significant contingent is being left out in the cold: mainland Chinese exhibitors have found it increasingly difficult to secure entry to the island.

As a major Asian technology expo and one of the world’s largest IT infrastructure events, Computex is a key showcase for next-generation hardware and artificial intelligence innovations. This year’s show features over 1,500 exhibitors from 33 countries and regions under the theme “AI Together”, headlined by global US-based giants like Nvidia, Intel and Advanced Micro Devices.

Two mainland Chinese residents, who work for companies among the 219 mainland exhibitors listed for the event, told the South China Morning Post that nobody on their team obtained an entry permit from Taiwanese authorities this year.

A third person, a mainland citizen employed by a multinational corporation, said that while colleagues from other regions had secured their travel documents, his own application had stalled.

While there have been no official rejections, the people said their applications had either been left pending indefinitely or they were asked to provide additional documentation that was nearly impossible to provide on short notice.

The delays effectively eliminate their chances of attending the four-day event, which kicked off on Tuesday.

Two travel agencies specialising in cross-strait travel said that none of their clients – even official exhibitors – had received entry-permit approvals this year.

One agency noted that a similar “visa freeze” occurred in April at the Taipei AMPA, a major automobile parts show, leaving many mainland exhibitors unable to send personnel.