Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te was forced to postpone his trip to Eswatini after Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked overflight permits for his aircraft. This action was described as part of China's 'intimidation campaign' against Taiwan, with US officials asserting that these countries acted under Chinese pressure. The US State Department condemned the revocation as an interference in the safety and dignity of Taiwan's routine travel, urging China to cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure on Taiwan.
INTERNATIONALPublished 24 Apr 2026 • Published 9h ago
China's Pressure on African Nations Blocks Taiwan Leader's Trip
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On April 24, 2026, China rejected US criticism regarding its pressure on African nations to revoke flight permits for Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te. This incident marks the first time a Taiwanese president has had to cancel a foreign trip due to denied airspace access, highlighting China's intensified efforts to isolate Taiwan internationally.
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