Revoked Permits and Unilateral Actions

The secretary general of Taiwan’s presidential office, Pan Meng-an, said Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar unilaterally and without warning revoked flight permits for the presidential aircraft to cross their countries. “The actual reason was intense pressure exerted by Chinese authorities, including economic coercion,” he told a hastily called news conference in Taipei.

Seychelles’ foreign affairs ministry told Reuters the Taiwanese president’s plane had not been granted clearance for overflight or landing, in line with the government’s longstanding policy of not recognizing Taiwan’s sovereignty. “The decision was taken independently and in accordance with established procedures,” Aline Morel, a senior protocol officer at the ministry, said.

China’s Stance and Diplomatic Pressure

China, which has deep economic and political ties with Africa, says Taiwan is one of its provinces and has no right to call itself a country. Speaking to Mozambique’s president. Daniel Chapo. In Beijing on Tuesday. Chinese president Xi Jinping pledged support for the continent and its development needs, according to state media; it did not mention Lai’s canceled visit to Eswatini.

A Madagascar foreign ministry official also confirmed having denied an overflight request. “Malagasy diplomacy recognizes only one China. The decision was made in full respect of Madagascar’s sovereignty over its airspace,” the official said.

A senior Taiwan security official told Reuters the government understood that China had threatened to impose economic sanctions against Seychelles, Madagascar, and Mauritius, including revoking debt relief. This would have been Lai’s first trip outside Taiwan since November 2024, when he visited the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, and transited through Hawaii and the US territory of Guam.

President’s Response and Broader Implications

Lai, in a post on social media, said China’s “suppressive actions” demonstrated the threat authoritarian states posed to international order, peace, and stability. “No threat or suppression can change Taiwan’s determination to engage with the world, nor can it negate Taiwan’s ability to contribute to the international community,” he added.

China harbors a particular dislike of Lai, whom it calls a “separatist.” Lai says only Taiwan’s people can decide their future and rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims. It would be the first time a Taiwanese president has had to cancel an overseas trip owing to Chinese pressure; Taiwanese presidents normally have no problems overflying countries with which the island does not have formal relations.