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Lai Ching-te cancels Eswatini visit amid airspace restrictions
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has called off a planned trip to Eswatini after three Indian Ocean nations withdrew overflight permissions for his aircraft, citing pressure from Beijing. The incident marks the first known case of a Taiwanese leader being forced to cancel foreign travel due to denied airspace access.
Beijing accused of economic coercion
A senior Taiwanese official stated that Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked Lai's flight permits following what was described as "intense pressure" and economic leverage from China. Beijing denied exerting undue influence, instead praising the three countries for upholding the "one-China principle."
Eswatini remains Taiwan's sole African ally
Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, is Taiwan's only diplomatic partner on the African continent. The kingdom was set to host Lai for celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III's reign. Eswatini's government expressed regret over the cancellation but affirmed its commitment to maintaining bilateral ties.
China reaffirms sovereignty claims
In a Wednesday briefing, a spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office reiterated Beijing's stance, stating that the international community no longer recognizes the "so-called 'President of the Republic of China'"-a direct reference to Lai's official title. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has not ruled out military action to assert control.
International reactions
Reuters reported that Seychelles and Madagascar justified their decisions by stating they do not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state. Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers condemned the move, with the House Foreign Affairs Committee accusing the three nations of bowing to "blatant coercion." Senator Ted Cruz singled out Mauritius, suggesting it had chosen alignment with Beijing over democratic principles.
Lai denounces authoritarian tactics
"No amount of threats or coercion will shake Taiwan's resolve to engage with the world."
Lai Ching-te, via X
In a statement, Lai criticized China's actions as a threat to the global order, framing them as evidence of the dangers posed by authoritarian regimes. Beijing has previously labeled Lai a "troublemaker" and accused him of undermining cross-strait stability.
