China "Hit" Taiwan President's Plane: Eswatini Visit Canceled, African Allies Caught Under Beijing Pressure

Taipei WartaGlobal.id

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te was forced to cancel his official visit to Eswatini on April 24-26, 2026, after the Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar abruptly revoked the presidential plane's airspace. This was the first major blow for the Taiwanese leader: the entire overseas trip was completely canceled due to the air blockade "without warning."

The Taiwanese President's Office blamed China behind the scenes, using "intense pressure, including economic coercion," to force the three African countries to submit. Lai was supposed to attend King Mswati III's 58th birthday celebration and his 40th anniversary of his accession to the throne—a golden opportunity to strengthen ties with Taiwan's only diplomatic ally on the continent.

The US immediately spoke out: the State Department condemned it as "an abuse of the international civil aviation system," accusing the countries of "acting at China's behest." Beijing? Instead, they celebrated the decision as adherence to the "One China" principle, while sarcastically declaring that "there is no longer a President of the Republic of China in the world."

Behind-the-Scenes Intrigue

What economic cards is China playing? All three African countries depend on Beijing's investment and aid—from ports to trillions in debt. Eswatini itself has been the target of Chinese economic sanctions since its allegiance to Taiwan. This move is new evidence: Beijing is not hesitant to "choke off" air access to isolate Taiwan, even in the region of its most loyal allies.

Global implications? Taiwan is losing the African stage, while China is increasingly aggressively "clearing up" its diplomatic map. Will Eswatini falter next? Netti/*

(Source: Office of the President of Taiwan, US Department of State, official Chinese statement. Viewed April 24, 2026)