Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has cancelled a trip to Eswatini, accusing China of pressuring other countries to deny his aircraft access into their territories.

A Taiwan official revealed that after “intense pressure” and economic coercion from China, Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar revoked Lai’s flight permits.

China has denied coercion and lauded the three Indian Ocean countries for their actions, stating that it had “high appreciation” for them.

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This is the first occurrence where Taiwan’s leader has had to cancel a trip publicly due to revoked flight permits.

Eswatini is among 12 nations which are diplomatic allies of Taiwan and the only one from the African continent. Seychelles and Madagascar said they took that action because they do not recognize Taiwan, per a Reuters report.

According to Taiwanese officials, the three African nations revoked the flight permits “unexpectedly and without prior notice”.

“No amount of threats or coercion will shake Taiwan’s resolve to engage with the world.”

The government of Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, said it was regrettable that Lai was unable to visit, but that this would not “change the status of our longstanding bilateral relationship”, according to reports.

China maintains its “One China” principle, asserting sovereignty over Taiwan, though many on the island view themselves as part of a sovereign nation. Beijing reportedly regards the self-governed territory as a breakaway province destined for reunification and has not ruled out the use of force. 

Chinese authorities have been openly critical of President Lai, previously labelling him a “troublemaker” and a “destroyer of cross-strait peace”. In a post on X, Lai condemned China’s “coercive actions”, arguing they expose the risks authoritarian regimes pose to the international order. 

The dispute shaped regional tensions and drew concern from global partners and observers.

Lai Ching-te was expected to spend 22 to 26 April in Eswatini to attend celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession and the king’s birthday.

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Taiwan revealed that a special envoy will be appointed to make the trip to mark the celebrations on behalf of the president.