What lies behind the Taiwanese president’s cancellation of his visit to Eswatini?

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te announced the postponement of his visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini after three African countries—Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar—refused at the last minute to grant his presidential plane permits to fly through their airspace. This unprecedented development reveals the expanding Chinese influence in Africa and brings the fierce diplomatic legitimacy battle between Beijing and Taipei back to the forefront.

Lai had planned to travel to Eswatini, Taiwan’s only remaining African ally, on Wednesday to participate in celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession to the throne. However, the Taiwanese Presidential Office announced that the trip could not proceed following simultaneous decisions by the three countries to cancel transit permits without prior warning, as reported by Reuters.

The Secretary-General of the Presidential Office, Pan Ming-an, placed full responsibility on China, asserting that the decisions resulted from intense economic pressure exerted by Beijing. Reuters quoted a Taiwanese security official as saying that China threatened economic sanctions, including the cancellation of debt relief facilities, to pressure these nations. This marks the first time a Taiwanese president has been forced to postpone a foreign trip due to Chinese pressure.

Between Chinese Gratitude and American Criticism

In contrast, Seychelles and Madagascar denied that their decisions were linked to external pressure, insisting they adhered to the “One China” policy. The Seychelles foreign ministry stated that the Taiwanese plane did not receive permission for transit or landing, in line with the government’s established policy of not recognizing Taiwan’s sovereignty. A senior official in Madagascar’s foreign ministry also stressed that Malagasy diplomacy recognizes only one China and that the decision was made within the framework of full sovereignty over the country’s airspace. Mauritius has not yet issued any official clarification.

On the other hand, China’s foreign ministry quickly expressed its “high appreciation” for the African countries that adhered to the One China principle, according to a statement reported by AFP. A ministry spokesperson said this position aligns with the basic norms of international relations, adding that China’s reunification process is historical and cannot be stopped by anyone.

Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office, as reported by the South China Morning Post, also denied the accusations leveled against China and merely praised what it described as the “position and practice” of the three countries in committing to the One China principle.

Meanwhile, the US State Department criticized what it described as an “intimidation campaign” led by Beijing against Taiwan and its supporters, expressing concern that several countries had withdrawn transit permits. The department stated, according to AFP, that these countries acted at China’s behest, interfering with the safety of travel for Taiwanese officials.

This American stance comes despite the US not officially recognizing Taiwan, although it remains its primary security guarantor, while a meeting between the US president and his Chinese counterpart is expected next month.

Broader Context

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