TAIPEI — Lai Ching-te has postponed a planned diplomatic visit to Africa after several countries reportedly denied overflight permission, a move Taiwan says was influenced by pressure from China.
According to Taiwan’s presidential office, clearance for the trip was withdrawn by multiple countries along the proposed route, including Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar, making the journey logistically impossible.
The visit, which had been scheduled for April 22 to 26, was set to include official talks in Eswatini—Taiwan’s only remaining diplomatic ally on the African continent.
Taiwanese officials have accused Beijing of using its economic and diplomatic influence to block the trip, describing the development as interference in the sovereign decisions of other nations.
“This kind of action undermines normal diplomatic engagement,” officials indicated, pointing to what they see as a broader effort to isolate Taiwan on the international stage.
In response, China defended the actions taken by the countries involved, stating that adherence to the “One China” principle aligns with international norms and legal frameworks. Beijing considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has consistently opposed any form of official interaction between Taiwan and other states.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China, as Taipei continues to maintain formal diplomatic relations with only a small number of countries worldwide.
Despite the cancellation, Eswatini has reaffirmed its longstanding relationship with Taiwan, expressing regret over the disruption of the planned visit.
The situation underscores the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding Taiwan’s international engagements, where diplomatic efforts are often shaped by broader regional and global power dynamics.
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