Lai Ching-te was forced to postpone a diplomatic visit after several Indian Ocean nations reportedly denied access to their airspace, according to Taiwanese officials.
The Taiwanese government alleged that the decision was influenced by China, amid ongoing tensions over Taiwan’s international diplomatic engagements.
Lai eventually arrived in Eswatini yesterday (02), roughly two weeks after the initial disruption. Eswatini remains one of only a small number of countries that maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
Taiwan stated that Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar had revoked flight clearances through their airspace, allegedly under pressure from Beijing.
The visit was linked to events marking the 40th anniversary of the coronation of Mswati III.
According to reports, this is the first known instance in which a Taiwanese president has had to postpone an entire overseas visit due to airspace restrictions, raising concerns over growing diplomatic pressure on Taiwan.
In posts shared on social media, Lai stated that Taiwan would continue engaging with the international community despite external pressure.
Images shared online appeared to show him arriving aboard an Eswatini government aircraft.
Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Ministry criticised the visit and reiterated Beijing’s position that Taiwan is part of China.
The issue highlights the continuing diplomatic rivalry between China and Taiwan, particularly regarding Taiwan’s limited but strategically important international partnerships.
