News Desk
The United States accused China of using political pressure to block Taiwan President Lai Ching‑te from travelling to Eswatini. Washington said several African countries revoked overflight permits for Lai’s aircraft after receiving instructions from Beijing.
Taiwan announced on Tuesday that Lai postponed his visit after Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar withdrew overflight clearances without prior notice. Eswatini is Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Africa.
A US State Department spokesperson said the revocations interfered with the “safety and dignity” of routine travel by Taiwanese officials. The spokesperson described the move as part of a wider pattern of intimidation directed at Taiwan and its partners.
Taiwan’s presidential office said China applied “intense pressure,” including economic coercion, to block the trip. Beijing rejected the accusation. China’s foreign ministry said the United States made “baseless” claims and insisted that the countries acted in line with the one‑China principle.
China expressed “high appreciation” for the African governments that denied the permits. Beijing maintains that Taiwan is part of its territory and opposes official exchanges between Taipei and foreign governments.
The article notes that Washington does not formally recognise Taiwan but remains its main security partner. The tone of US support has shifted under President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping next month.
Lai’s last overseas trip took place in November 2024, when he visited Pacific allies and transited through Guam. Taiwan denied reports that the United States blocked Lai from transiting through New York during a separate trip last year.
