Beijing on Wednesday expressed approval after three African nations declined to permit Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s aircraft to transit through their airspace, a decision that ultimately led to the cancellation of his planned visit to Eswatini.
Beijing on Wednesday expressed approval after three African nations declined to permit Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s aircraft to transit through their airspace, a decision that ultimately led to the cancellation of his planned visit to Eswatini.
Lai had been expected to travel between April 22 and 26 to participate in events marking King Mswati III’s 40 years on the throne. However, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked earlier approvals for his presidential flight route without prior notification, according to Taiwan’s Presidential Office.
Officials in Seychelles and Madagascar reaffirmed their commitment to the “One China” policy, which does not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, Reuters reported.
Taipei accused Beijing of exerting economic pressure to influence the outcome, a claim China’s Taiwan Affairs Office rejected. Spokesperson Zhang Han instead commended the three countries for aligning with the “one-China principle,” quoting Chinese philosopher Mencius to argue that “a just cause enjoys abundant support.”
China’s foreign ministry went further, stating that “there is no longer a so-called Republic of China president in the world,” describing Lai’s designation as invalid and warning that those who use it “will only bring humiliation upon themselves.”
Taiwan–China tensions over global space
Speaking at a Democratic Progressive Party meeting in Taipei, Lai dismissed Beijing’s pressure campaign, insisting that Taiwan’s people have the right to engage internationally. He said “no country can stop this,” adding that increased pressure from China would only strengthen Taiwan’s determination.
The cancellation did not affect Eswatini’s diplomatic relationship with Taiwan, according to government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli, who said the kingdom continues to pursue an independent foreign policy centred on cooperation and peace.
Eswatini remains the only African country that maintains formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, making the visit diplomatically significant as China continues efforts to reduce Taiwan’s international recognition.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry condemned the statements from Seychelles and Madagascar, accusing them of yielding to Chinese influence. Meanwhile, some United States lawmakers suggested the development reflects a broader pattern of economic pressure being applied to democratic partners.