Taiwan President Cancels Trip to Eswatini After African Airspace Closures

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has cancelled a planned visit to Eswatini after Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked overflight permits for his aircraft.

Taiwan officials attributed the revocations to intense pressure and economic coercion from China.

This marks the first publicly known instance of a Taiwanese leader cancelling a foreign trip due to revoked flight permits.

Eswatini, Taiwan's only diplomatic ally in Africa, was the intended destination for Lai's trip, which included attending the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III's accession.

The cancellation disrupts this diplomatic engagement and highlights ongoing tensions in cross-strait relations.

China adheres to the "one China" principle, asserting sovereignty over Taiwan and opposing its international recognition.

Beijing praised the three African countries for their actions and denied exerting coercion.

Taiwan's government condemned the move, with Lai describing China's actions as coercive and a threat to the international order.

Eswatini's government expressed regret over the cancellation but affirmed that it would not affect the longstanding bilateral relationship with Taiwan.

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