Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has cancelled a planned diplomatic visit to Eswatini after several African countries revoked flight permissions for his aircraft, in a move Taipei says was influenced by pressure from China.
According to Taiwanese officials, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar withdrew previously granted overflight permits unexpectedly and without prior notice. Authorities in Taipei described the decision as a result of “intense pressure” and economic coercion from Beijing. China has denied these allegations, instead commending the three nations for their adherence to its “One China” principle.
This marks the first known instance in which a Taiwanese president has been forced to cancel an overseas trip due to revoked airspace access. Eswatini remains one of only 12 countries worldwide that maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan and is its sole ally in Africa.
Reports indicate that Seychelles and Madagascar justified their decisions by reiterating that they do not officially recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state. The situation underscores the ongoing geopolitical tension between Taiwan and China, with Beijing asserting that the self-governed island is a breakaway province and part of its territory.
China has been openly critical of Lai, previously labeling him a destabilizing figure in cross-strait relations. Responding to the incident, Lai condemned what he described as China’s coercive tactics, warning that such actions highlight the risks authoritarian systems pose to global order. He emphasized that Taiwan remains committed to engaging with the international community despite mounting pressure.
The government of Eswatini expressed regret over the cancelled visit but reaffirmed that the development would not affect its longstanding diplomatic relationship with Taiwan. Lai had been scheduled to attend celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession to the throne, as well as his birthday. Taiwan has confirmed that a special envoy will attend the event in his place.
Meanwhile, reactions from the United States have added another layer to the diplomatic fallout. Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee voiced support for Taiwan, criticizing the African nations’ decisions, while Senator Ted Cruz accused Mauritius of aligning too closely with Beijing.
The incident highlights the intensifying global tug-of-war over Taiwan’s international space, as China continues efforts to isolate the island diplomatically while reinforcing its sovereignty claims.