President of Taiwan blames China for forced cancellation of Eswatini trip | Taiwan

Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, made his trip to Eswatinithe democratic island’s only diplomatic ally in Africa, after its government said several countries had withdrawn overflight permits due to “intense pressure” from China.

Lai was due to leave on Wednesday for the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession.

The Secretary-General of Taiwan’s Presidential Office, Pan Meng-an, said SeychellesMauritius and Madagascar unilaterally and without warning revoked flight permits for the presidential planes to cross their countries.

“The real reason was intense pressure exerted by Chinese authorities, including economic coercion,” he told a hurried news conference in Taipei.

China’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China, which has deep economic and political ties with Africasays Taiwan is one of his provinces and has no right to call itself a country.

Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo in Beijing on Tuesday, pledging support for the continent and its development needs, according to state media. It did not mention Lai’s canceled visit to Eswatini.

In a post on social media, Lai said China’s “repressive actions” demonstrate the threat authoritarian states pose to international order, peace and stability. “No threat or repression can change Taiwan’s determination to engage with the world, nor can it negate Taiwan’s ability to contribute to the international community,” he added.

Seychelles’ foreign ministry told Reuters the Taiwanese president’s plane had not been cleared for overflight or landing, in line with the government’s long-standing policy of not recognizing Taiwan’s sovereignty.

“The decision was taken independently and in accordance with established procedures,” said Aline Morel, a senior protocol officer at the ministry.

ON Madagascar Foreign Ministry official also confirmed that he had refused an overflight request. “Malagasy diplomacy recognizes only one China. The decision was taken with full respect for Madagascar’s sovereignty over its airspace,” the official said.

Mauritius did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

It would be the first time a Taiwanese president had to cancel an overseas trip due to Chinese pressure. Taiwanese presidents normally have no problem flying over countries with which the island does not have formal relations, but China harbors a particular distaste for Lai, who it calls a “separatist”.

Lai says only Taiwan’s people can decide their future and rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.

A senior Taiwanese security official told Reuters the government understood China had threatened to impose economic sanctions on Seychelles, Madagascar and Mauritius, including revoking debt relief.

It would have been Lai’s first trip outside Taiwan since November 2024, when he visited the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau and passed through Hawaii and the US territory of Guam.