Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has canceled a trip to the southern African nation of Eswatini, accusing China of putting pressure on other countries to bar his aircraft from flying over their territories.
Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked Lai's flight permits after intense pressure and economic coercion from China, claimed a Taiwan official. China denied coercion while praising the three Indian Ocean nations, expressing a high appreciation for them.
This incident marks the first publicly known case where Taiwan's leader has had to cancel a trip due to revoked flight permits.
Eswatini is one of 12 nations that maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan, being the only one in Africa.
According to Reuters, Seychelles and Madagascar cited their non-recognition of Taiwan as the reason behind their decision.
Taiwanese officials stated that the permits were revoked unexpectedly and without prior notice, emphasizing the challenges posed by China’s adherence to the one China policy.
Beijing claims sovereignty over Taiwan, viewing it as a breakaway province that will eventually reunite with the mainland.
The Chinese government has been vocal in its opposition to Lai, labeling him a troublemaker and a destroyer of cross-strait peace.
In a statement on social media, Lai condemned China's actions as coercive, warning that such pressure threatens international order. He asserted, No amount of threats or coercion will shake Taiwan's resolve to engage with the world.
Despite the cancellation, the Eswatini government expressed regret but assured that their longstanding bilateral relationship remains unchanged. Lai was scheduled to attend events celebrating the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession and the king’s birthday from April 22 to 26. In his absence, Taiwan will appoint a special envoy to represent him at the celebrations.
