Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung arrived in Eswatini, stating Taipei will not be deterred by "authoritarian forces." This follows accusations that China pressured African nations to deny airspace access for President Lai Ching-te's aircraft. Taiwan reported that Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar unilaterally revoked flight permits for the presidential plane on a planned trip to Eswatini, one of Taiwan's few remaining diplomatic allies in Africa. This marks the first instance of a Taiwanese president canceling a foreign trip due to denied airspace, signaling a potential new Chinese strategy to limit Taiwan's global engagement.
Minister Lin, arriving as President Lai's special envoy, expressed a sense of deep friendship with Eswatini that "transcends distance." He affirmed Taiwan's resolve against external pressure. President Lai, in a video message, asserted Taiwan's right to international engagement, stating, "The greater the external pressure we face, the more courage and resolve we have."
China denied orchestrating the blockades but commended the countries for denying flight permission. The United States and several European nations have voiced concern over China's actions.