Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has cancelled a planned visit to Eswatini after Taipei accused China of pressuring African states to revoke overflight permissions for his aircraft.
The trip was due to mark the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession, with Eswatini among only 12 countries maintaining formal ties with Taiwan.
According to Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Meng-an, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar withdrew clearance without prior notice.
Seychelles’ foreign affairs ministry told Reuters that the Taiwanese president’s plane had not been granted clearance for overflight or landing, in line with the government’s longstanding policy of not recognising Taiwan’s sovereignty.
“The decision was taken independently and in accordance with established procedures,” Aline Morel, senior protocol officer at the ministry, said in an email.
A Madagascar foreign ministry official also confirmed having denied an overflight request. “Malagasy diplomacy recognises only one China. The decision was made in full respect of Madagascar’s sovereignty over its airspace,” the official said.
Lai, in a post on his Facebook page, said China’s “suppressive actions” demonstrate the threat that authoritarian states pose to the international order, peace, and stability.
“No threat or suppression can change Taiwan’s determination to engage with the world, nor can it negate Taiwan’s ability to contribute to the international community,” he added.
Beijing maintains Taiwan is part of its territory, while President Lai rejects this claim and insists Taiwan determines its own future.
A senior Taiwanese security official said the suspected pressure included threats of economic sanctions.
ℹ️ Reuters
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