Taiwan cancels Africa trip over China pressure
Taiwan’s leader, Lai Ching-te, has called off a planned visit to Eswatini after several countries denied his aircraft permission to fly through their airspace. Taipei says the decision followed strong pressure and economic influence from Beijing, an accusation China rejects. According to Taiwanese officials, Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar withdrew overflight approvals after what they described as “intense pressure” from China. Beijing denied any coercion, while commending the three countries for adhering to the “one China” policy. This marks the first known case of a Taiwanese president cancelling an overseas trip due to revoked flight permissions. Eswatini remains Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Africa and one of just a dozen countries worldwide that officially recognise Taipei. China considers Taiwan part of its territory under the “one China” principle, while many in Taiwan view the island as a sovereign state. Beijing has […]
