Taiwan’s Lai Cancels Africa Trip at Last Minute, Cites Chinese Coercion as Reason

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has postponed an official trip to Eswatini after three African countries revoked overflight permits for his planned visit, citing intense pressure from China as the reason for the cancellations.

The trip, scheduled from April 22 to 26, 2026, was intended to commemorate the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession and his 58th birthday in Eswatini, Taiwan’s sole remaining diplomatic ally in Africa.

According to Pan Men-an, secretary-general to the president, Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar unexpectedly and without prior notice revoked the charter’s overflight permits, forcing the postponement of the visit.

Pan stated that “the real reason is that the Chinese authorities exerted intense pressure including economic coercion,” describing the permit cancellations as blatant interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

China claims Taiwan is part of its territory and opposes the self-governed island’s participation in international organizations and exchanges with other countries, a position that has led to sustained diplomatic pressure on nations maintaining ties with Taipei.

Eswatini is among Taiwan’s 12 remaining allies that still recognize Taiwan’s claim to statehood, after China convinced numerous other countries to sever diplomatic relations with Taiwan in favor of Beijing over the past decades.

A special envoy will be appointed to attend the celebrations in Eswatini on Lai’s behalf, Pan said, ensuring representation despite the presidential postponement.

The incident underscores the ongoing geopolitical challenges Taiwan faces in maintaining its few formal diplomatic relationships, particularly in regions where China seeks to expand its influence through economic and political pressure.