Taiwan's President Cancels Africa Trip Amid Beijing Pressure

Fri Apr 24 2026 08:41:34 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's planned visit to Eswatini is thwarted by revoked flight permits, allegedly under pressure from China, raising concerns over diplomatic freedoms.

President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan has canceled his trip to Eswatini after Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked his flight permits due to alleged Chinese pressure. This incident highlights the ongoing diplomatic challenges faced by Taiwan amidst China's assertive foreign policy. The cancellation marks a significant moment in Taiwan's diplomatic history, as it is the first time a trip has been canceled over such circumstances, raising alarms regarding Beijing's influence over smaller nations. Taiwan insists that it will persist in building international relations despite coercive tactics from the Chinese government.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has canceled a trip to the southern African nation of Eswatini, accusing China of applying pressure on other nations to prevent his aircraft from flying over their territories.

Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked Lai's flight permits after intense pressure and economic coercion from China, according to a Taiwan official. China denied these claims, praising the three Indian Ocean nations for their actions.

This situation represents the first publicly known case where a Taiwanese leader has canceled a trip because of revoked flight permits.

Eswatini is among the 12 nations that maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan and is its only ally in Africa.

As reported by Reuters, Seychelles and Madagascar stated that their decisions stem from their non-recognition of Taiwan.

The Taiwanese officials expressed that the revocations were made unexpectedly and without prior notice.

China supports the "one China" principle, under which it asserts sovereignty over Taiwan; however, many in Taiwan identify as a distinct sovereign nation.

Beijing views Taiwan as a breakaway province destined to reunite with the mainland and has not excluded the possible use of force to achieve this.

The Chinese government has openly criticized Lai, labeling him as a troublemaker and a destroyer of cross-strait peace.

In response to the situation, Lai condemned China’s coercive actions, highlighting the risks authoritarian regimes pose to the international order. He asserted that no amount of threats or coercion will shake Taiwan's resolve to engage with the world.

While Eswatini expressed regret over the cancellation, they reiterated that it would not affect their long-standing bilateral relationship. Lai was scheduled to visit from April 22 to April 26 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III's rule and his birthday. Instead, a special envoy will attend the celebrations on his behalf.

At a briefing, a spokesperson from China's Taiwan Affairs Office appreciated the actions of the countries involved in maintaining the one-China principle. The Chinese Foreign Ministry reaffirmed that the so-called 'President of the Republic of China' no longer exists in the world, referencing Lai's official title in Taiwan.

In the United States, some have criticized Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar, with prominent figures expressing their support for Taiwan against Chinese coercion.