Taiwan’s president canceled a planned visit to Africa this week after three countries withdrew permission for him to fly over their territories, under pressure from China, his office said Tuesday.
“According to our understanding, the cancellation of flight permits by Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar without prior warning was actually due to strong pressure from the Chinese authorities, including economic coercion,” read a statement by the presidential office.
President Lai Ching-te was set to visit Eswatini, Taiwan’s last remaining diplomatic ally in Africa, from April 22 to 26.
