Taiwan President flight permit cancellation has sparked international attention after President Lai Ching-te was forced to cancel a planned visit to Eswatini following the revocation of flight permits by several African countries.
President Lai Ching-te was scheduled to travel to Eswatini from April 22 to 26 to attend royal celebrations, but the trip was called off due to unexpected aviation restrictions.
Taiwanese officials said that Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked overflight permissions after what they described as intense diplomatic and economic pressure from China. However, Beijing denied any coercion and praised the countries for their decisions.
The Taiwan President flight permit cancellation marks the first known case where a Taiwanese head of state has had to cancel an international trip due to revoked airspace access, highlighting rising geopolitical tensions.
China, which follows the “One China” policy, views Taiwan as part of its territory and has long opposed Taiwan’s international engagements. Beijing also criticized Lai, calling him a destabilizing figure in cross-strait relations.
In response, President Lai stated that such actions demonstrate the risks authoritarian pressure poses to global diplomacy, adding that Taiwan will continue to engage with the world despite challenges.
Meanwhile, Eswatini expressed regret over the cancellation but reaffirmed its long-standing ties with Taiwan, emphasizing that diplomatic relations remain unchanged.
