A planned visit by Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te to Eswatini was cancelled after several Indian Ocean states withdrew overflight permissions needed for the presidential aircraft, Taiwanese officials confirmed.
The trip, which was intended to include talks with Eswatini’s leadership, Taiwan’s only remaining diplomatic ally in Africa was called off shortly before departure when no viable flight route remained available.
According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the presidential aircraft had originally received standard diplomatic clearance to traverse airspace controlled by Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar. However, those permissions were subsequently revoked, making it impossible to proceed with the journey.
Taiwanese officials said the decision left no safe alternative routing options and forced the cancellation of the visit. They described the timing of the withdrawals as highly unusual and suggested the move reflected external political pressure, pointing to China’s longstanding opposition to Taiwan’s international engagements.
China rejected that claim, stating that countries involved were acting independently and in accordance with the “One China” policy, under which Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory. Beijing has consistently urged other governments not to engage in official exchanges with Taipei.
Authorities in Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar have not publicly detailed the reasoning behind the withdrawal of permissions beyond referencing their respective diplomatic positions on China and Taiwan.
The incident highlights the continued diplomatic constraints faced by Taiwan, which has formal relations with only a small number of countries worldwide. Most nations, including those in Africa, recognize Beijing under the One China framework while maintaining unofficial or economic ties with Taipei.
The cancelled visit was expected to focus on bilateral cooperation with Eswatini, which has maintained official diplomatic relations with Taiwan since 1968.
No new date for the visit has been announced.
