Taiwan President Cancels Eswatini Trip After Airspace Denials Linked to China
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has called off his planned trip to Eswatini after several countries refused to allow his aircraft to pass through their airspace, a move Taipei blames on pressure from China.
Officials in Taiwan said Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar suddenly withdrew previously approved flight permits, describing the decision as unexpected and influenced by Beijing’s economic and political weight. China has denied the claims, instead praising the three countries for supporting its diplomatic position.
This is the first time Taiwan’s leader has had to cancel an overseas visit because of blocked flight access, a sign of how far China’s influence now stretches beyond its immediate region.
Eswatini is one of the few countries that still maintains formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan and remains its only ally in Africa. Reports indicate that Seychelles and Madagascar justified their decisions by pointing out they do not officially recognise Taiwan as a state.
Taipei, however, insists the cancellations came without warning, reinforcing its view that the move was politically motivated.
The situation reflects the long-running dispute between China and Taiwan. Beijing’s “one China” policy treats Taiwan as part of its territory, while many in Taiwan see their island as independent. China has repeatedly said it could use force if necessary to bring Taiwan under its control.
Lai, who Beijing has openly criticised in the past, condemned what he described as coercion. He said such actions show the risks posed by authoritarian influence and insisted Taiwan would continue engaging with the international community.
Eswatini’s government said it regretted Lai’s cancelled visit but stressed that relations between the two sides remain unchanged. The president had been expected to attend events marking 40 years since King Mswati III came to power, along with the monarch’s birthday celebrations. Taiwan will now send a representative instead.
China, meanwhile, stood firm on its position. Officials said they welcomed countries that respect the one-China principle and again dismissed Taiwan’s leadership status on the global stage.
The move has also drawn criticism from some U.S. politicians, who accused the three African nations of giving in to Beijing’s pressure.
The cancelled trip highlights the growing challenges Taiwan faces in maintaining its international presence as China continues to tighten its diplomatic grip worldwide.
