Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has cancelled a planned trip to Eswatini after African countries revoked flight permits. The decision follows allegations that China exerted pressure on several states to block the presidential aircraft. The development highlights rising diplomatic tensions between China and Taiwan.
Taiwanese officials said Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar withdrew flight permissions after what they described as intense Chinese pressure. They claimed the revocations came unexpectedly and without prior notice. However, China denied coercion and praised the countries’ decisions.
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According to Taiwan, the move marks the first known case where a sitting president had to cancel a foreign visit due to denied overflight rights. Eswatini remains Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Africa. Officials say the situation reflects growing challenges in Taiwan’s international engagement.
China maintains its “One China” policy and considers Taiwan part of its territory. Beijing has previously accused Lai of undermining cross-strait stability. In contrast, Lai condemned China’s actions, calling them coercive and harmful to international order.
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Eswatini expressed regret over the cancelled visit, which was linked to national celebrations. Taiwan said a special envoy will attend the events instead of the president. Meanwhile, the diplomatic dispute has drawn criticism from some US lawmakers over China’s influence.