China Hails Countries for Blocking Taiwan President’s Flight

Taiwan’s president abandoned a scheduled visit to Eswatini following the sudden withdrawal of flight permissions by three African nations. Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked approval for his aircraft to transit their airspace, prompting the cancellation of the trip planned for April 22-26. A Taiwanese official claimed the decision stemmed from “strong pressure from Chinese authorities, including economic coercion.”

Beijing’s Response

China denied applying pressure to the countries, while expressing “high appreciation” for their actions. The Foreign Ministry stated that the nations’ support for the one-China principle aligned with international norms. “No one can stop the historical trend of China’s eventual reunification,” the statement added, emphasizing Beijing’s claim over Taiwan.

“A just cause enjoys abundant support, while an unjust cause finds little support,” said a spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, invoking the words of ancient philosopher Mencius.

Geopolitical Context

Eswatini, a small southern African kingdom previously known as Swaziland, remains Taiwan’s sole diplomatic ally on the continent. The government there expressed regret over the canceled visit but insisted the bilateral relationship remains unaffected. “The Republic of China is a sovereign state with the right to engage with the world,” Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry asserted in a statement, criticizing the countries’ stance as “in servitude of China.”

Opposition and International Concerns

The incident followed a meeting between Taiwan’s opposition leader, Cheng Li-wun of the Kuomintang (KMT), and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. The opposition party, which frequently conflicts with Lai Ching-te’s administration, called for China to exercise restraint. “Mainland China’s pressure is not clever, especially after the Cheng-Xi meeting,” remarked senior KMT legislator Lai Shyh-bao.

“This is not diplomacy; it is economic pressure aimed at isolating a democratic partner,” wrote the US House Select Committee on China on X.

The three countries’ actions highlight the ongoing tension between China and Taiwan’s diplomatic efforts. While China maintains its claim over the island, Eswatini and others continue to navigate their positions in the geopolitical landscape.