Taiwan Blames Pressure from China for Nixed Africa Trip

Taiwan’s administration asserts that Beijing employed economic pressure to persuade three African nations to withdraw permission for President Lai Ching-te’s planned journey across their airspace. The president had intended to embark on a visit to Eswatini, one of just 12 countries that hold full diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar canceled his flight’s authorization to use their skies.

Lai Ching-te announced the cancellation of the trip on Tuesday, attributing it to Chinese influence. Officials in Madagascar acknowledged the claim, stating their recognition of a single China. The Seychelles and Mauritius, however, did not issue a direct response to the allegations.

“The true cause was the heavy pressure applied by Chinese officials, which encompassed economic coercion,” stated Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Meng-an. He emphasized that such tactics not only compromise aviation safety and contradict international standards but also represent a clear interference in a nation’s sovereignty, disrupting regional stability and hurting Taiwanese public sentiment.”

Eswatini continues as Taiwan’s sole ally on the African continent following Burkina Faso’s shift to align with Beijing in 2018. China, which asserts territorial claims over Taiwan, has steadily expanded its presence across Africa through initiatives like the Belt and Road program and extensive investment partnerships.

Challenges for Lai’s travel plans extend beyond China. Last year, despite Washington’s public backing of Taiwan, U.S. President Donald Trump blocked the leader from passing through New York to reach Latin America, highlighting persistent diplomatic hurdles.