Taiwan leader cancels Eswatini visit after overflight permits revoked

President Lai Ching-te has cancelled a state visit to Eswatini this week after several countries along the route abruptly revoked overflight permissions, Taiwanese officials said on Tuesday, blaming China.

Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Meng-an said the decision followed a safety assessment by the national security team after some countries withdrew clearance for the presidential aircraft.

Lai, who had been due to depart on Wednesday with a delegation, will instead send a special envoy to attend Eswatini’s national celebrations in honour of King Mswati III.

Pan said Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar had cancelled overflight approvals, attributing the move to pressure from China, including what he described as economic coercion.

Taiwan condemned the development, calling it highly unusual internationally. Pan said pressuring countries to reverse sovereign decisions undermines aviation safety, violates international norms and interferes in internal affairs.

Taiwan has had its own government since 1949 and has developed into a vibrant democracy, while China regards the island as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification.

Eswatini is one of Taiwan’s 12 formal diplomatic allies.

This year marks the 58th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two sides.

Events to mark the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s reign and his 58th birthday are scheduled to take place in Eswatini from Friday to Sunday.