Taiwanese FM Arrives in Eswatini After President Trip Denied Airspace

By Al Mayadeen English

Source: Agencies

26 Apr 2026 22:02

Taiwan postpones its president’s visit to Eswatini after several African states revoked overflight permits, as China defended the move as consistent with the "one-China" principle.

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has accused China of interfering in international aviation arrangements after several African states denied overflight access for a planned presidential visit.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung delivered the remarks during a visit to Eswatini, where he attended the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession on behalf of President Lai Ching-te. Lai had postponed his trip after Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar withdrew previously granted overflight permissions without prior notice, marking the first time a Taiwanese leader has canceled a visit due to airspace denial.

Beijing, however, rejected claims of coercion and instead welcomed the decisions taken by the three countries, describing them as consistent with the widely recognized “one-China principle". Chinese officials maintained that such actions reflect adherence to international norms governing state sovereignty and diplomatic recognition.

At a press briefing, China’s Foreign Ministry criticized Washington’s response, stating that US accusations “completely confuses right and wrong,” and urged it to refrain from interfering in an internal matter.

One-China principle

The position reflects China’s long-standing policy that Taiwan is part of its territory and does not possess the legal standing to conduct official state-to-state relations. Countries that recognize Beijing are therefore expected to avoid facilitating activities that could be interpreted as endorsing Taiwan’s sovereignty.

Officials in the African states involved also pointed to their adherence to this framework. Madagascar, for instance, stated that its decision was taken “in full respect” of its sovereign control over airspace and its commitment to recognizing only one China.

Against this backdrop, Lin reiterated Taipei’s stance, writing, “No matter how China uses political power to interfere with normal international civil aviation operations, politicising and weaponising flight information ... it will not make Taiwan bow its head, nor will it stop our progress.”

He added, “No unreasonable blockade or pressure can shake our resolve and will to safeguard our dignity and connect with the international community.”

Diplomatic rivalry

The episode comes amid intensifying diplomatic competition between Beijing and Taipei, particularly in regions such as Africa, where China maintains extensive economic and political ties with nearly all countries on the continent.

While the United States condemned the developments as part of an “intimidation campaign", China framed the situation differently, as a reaffirmation of international consensus on its territorial integrity and a reflection of states exercising their sovereign right to manage airspace and diplomatic relations.