Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has cancelled a planned state visit to Eswatini after several African countries denied his aircraft permission to pass through their airspace, escalating tensions between Taipei and Beijing.
Officials in Taipei said Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar withdrew previously granted overflight permits following what they described as sustained diplomatic pressure from China. The move forced the cancellation of Lai’s trip, which was set to reinforce ties with Taiwan’s only remaining diplomatic ally in Africa.
China denied allegations of coercion but praised the three countries for what it called their commitment to the one China principle, a policy under which Beijing asserts sovereignty over Taiwan.
This marks the first known instance of a Taiwanese president cancelling an overseas trip due to revoked flight clearances. Analysts say the development highlights the growing reach of Beijing’s diplomatic influence, particularly in regions where Taiwan maintains limited formal recognition.
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, remains Taipei’s sole diplomatic partner on the African continent. Globally, only a small number of countries, largely in Latin America and the Pacific, officially recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state.
Lai had been scheduled to attend celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession to the throne. Eswatini’s government expressed regret over the cancellation but emphasized that bilateral relations remain unchanged.
This does not alter the longstanding partnership between the two nations, officials said in local reports.
China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has repeatedly stated its intention to bring the self governed island under its control, by force if necessary. Taiwan, however, operates as a separate political entity with its own government, military and economy.
Beijing has been increasingly vocal in its criticism of Lai, previously labeling him a destabilizing figure in cross strait relations. In response, Lai condemned what he described as coercive actions aimed at isolating Taiwan on the global stage.
No amount of threats or coercion will shake Taiwan’s resolve to engage with the world, Lai said in a statement.
At a press briefing, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said it appreciated the position and actions of the African nations involved. The foreign ministry in Beijing also reiterated that the title President of the Republic of China no longer holds international legitimacy.
The decision by the African countries has drawn criticism from some Western leaders, particularly in the United States. Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee voiced support for Taiwan, describing the situation as an example of blatant coercion.
US Senator Ted Cruz also criticized Mauritius, accusing it of aligning too closely with Beijing’s political agenda.
Officials from Seychelles and Madagascar said their decisions were based on their adherence to the one China policy, under which they do not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign nation.
The incident underscores the fragile position Taiwan occupies in international diplomacy, as Beijing continues to leverage economic and political influence to limit Taipei’s global engagement.
For Taiwan, the cancellation represents more than a disrupted trip. It reflects a broader struggle for international space and recognition, as tensions with China continue to shape the island’s foreign relations.
