Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has cancelled a planned visit to Eswatini after Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar revoked overflight permits, which Taipei blames on Chinese pressure. The trip was intended to mark the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III's accession.
Pan Meng-an, secretary general of Taiwan's presidential office, said the three countries unilaterally withdrew permission for the presidential aircraft to cross their airspace without warning. He attributed the decision to "intense pressure exerted by Chinese authorities, including economic coercion."
China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Beijing regards Taiwan as one of its provinces and has no diplomatic relations with the island, which it calls a "separatist" entity. Taiwan maintains formal ties with only 12 countries, including Eswatini.
Seychelles' foreign ministry stated that the overflight clearance was denied in line with its longstanding policy of not recognising Taiwan's sovereignty. A Madagascar official confirmed the denial, citing respect for the "one China" policy. Mauritius did not respond to requests for comment.
This is the first time a Taiwanese president has had to cancel an overseas trip due to Chinese pressure. A senior Taiwan security official said China had threatened economic sanctions, including revoking debt relief, against the three countries. Lai, in a social media post, condemned China's actions as a threat to international order.
