Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen had to abruptly cancel her trip to Eswatini after Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar collectively revoked their airspace overflight rights. The Chinese government praised these three countries for upholding the "One China" principle, while Taiwan condemned the move as undignified pressure.
President Tsai Ing-wen officially canceled her planned visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini last Wednesday, where she was to join celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III's reign. This followed last-minute revocations of airspace overflight permits by three African countries: Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar.
This incident marks the first time a Taiwanese leader has had to cancel an overseas trip due to denied overflight rights. Taiwanese authorities stated that this was the result of "intense pressure" and economic coercion exerted by the Chinese government.
China's Taiwan Affairs Office expressed approval of the three countries for adhering to the One China principle, stating, "Justice will be widely supported." Meanwhile, China's Foreign Ministry issued a stronger statement, declaring, "It is clear that there is no longer a 'President of the Republic of China' in the world. Anyone who falsely claims this title is defying the course of history and will bring disgrace upon themselves."
However, the governments of Madagascar and Seychelles officially explained that their decisions were based on the fact that their countries do not recognize Taiwan's status.
President Tsai Ing-wen posted on platform X condemning China's actions as demonstrating the risks authoritarian regimes pose to the world order. She affirmed, "No threats or coercion will shake Taiwan's commitment to engaging with the international community."
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the statements from countries that closed their airspace as "submitting themselves as servants of China." Several U.S. Congress members expressed concern, stating this was not diplomacy but economic coercion aimed at isolating democratic allies.
Eswatini's Foreign Ministry spokesperson expressed regret that the visit could not take place but affirmed that this would not alter their longstanding bilateral relations. Eswatini, as a sovereign state, will continue to pursue an independent foreign policy and prioritize mutually beneficial alliances.
Currently, Eswatini is the only African country and one of 12 worldwide that maintains official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, despite China's vigorous efforts to isolate Taiwan internationally.