TAIPEI – Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung touched down in Eswatini on April 25, vowing that “authoritarian forces” would not deter the island democracy from global engagement, days after China allegedly pressured three African nations to deny overflight rights to President Lai Ching-te’s aircraft.
Taipei accused Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar of abruptly revoking permissions last week for a presidential flight to the tiny southern African kingdom, one of Taiwan’s 12 remaining diplomatic allies, forcing Lai to scrap the entire trip. Officials called it a novel Beijing tactic to isolate Taiwan internationally, marking the first such full cancellation due to airspace denial.
Posting a photo from a private jet on Facebook, Lin declared the moment symbolized the “deep friendship” between Taiwan and Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, that overcomes distances. “Taiwan will not be held back by authoritarian forces. We will certainly step out onto the world stage,” he affirmed. As Lai’s special envoy, Lin attended festivities for the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession, noting his team had “overcame all obstacles” without trip specifics.
Beijing rejected the pressure claims but commended the African states’ decisions. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province with no sovereign rights, while Taipei dismisses those assertions and insists on its freedom to interact globally.
The US condemned China’s moves last week, with the EU, Britain, France, and Germany voicing similar concerns.