Taiwan leader cancels Africa Trip amid China pressure claims
Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te, has called off a planned visit to the southern African country of Eswatini, alleging that China pressured several nations to deny his aircraft permission to pass through their airspace.
According to a Taiwanese official, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar withdrew previously granted overflight clearances following what was described as intense pressure and economic influence from China. Beijing rejected the accusations, instead commending the three countries and expressing “high appreciation” for their stance.
This marks the first known occasion where a Taiwanese leader has had to abandon an international trip due to revoked flight permissions.
Eswatini remains one of only 12 countries that maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan and is the sole African nation among them.
Reports indicate that Seychelles and Madagascar justified their decisions by stating they do not officially recognise Taiwan. Taiwanese authorities, however, said the cancellations were sudden and issued without prior warning.
China continues to uphold the One China policy, under which it claims Taiwan as part of its territory, despite many in Taiwan viewing themselves as independent. Beijing considers the island a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification.
Chinese authorities have been openly critical of Lai Ching-te, previously labeling him a “troublemaker” and accusing him of undermining cross-strait stability.
In a post on X, Lai condemned what he described as China’s “coercive actions,” warning that such behaviour highlights the risks authoritarian systems pose to global order. He insisted that Taiwan would not be deterred from engaging with the international community.
The government of Eswatini expressed regret over the cancelled visit but stressed that it would not affect its long-standing relationship with Taiwan.
Lai had been scheduled to visit from April 22 to 26 to attend celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s reign, as well as his birthday. Taiwan has since announced that a special envoy will represent him at the event.
At a press briefing, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said it welcomed the actions of the countries involved for upholding the One China principle. Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its position, stating that the title “President of the Republic of China” used by Taiwan no longer holds recognition internationally.
Some figures in the United States have criticised the decision by the three African nations. Ted Cruz, among others, voiced concern, accusing Mauritius of aligning too closely with China.
Source: BBC
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