Taiwan president postpones trip to Eswatini after countries revoke overflight permits

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te was due to visit Eswatini from April 22 to 26 for the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession and his 58th birthday. (AFP)

• Lai Ching-te was due to visit Eswatini from April 22 to 26 for the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession and his 58th birthday

TAIPEI: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has postponed an official trip to Eswatini, the democratic island’s only diplomatic ally in Africa, after several countries revoked overflight permits, a senior aide said Tuesday.
“According to sources, Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar unexpectedly and without prior notice revoked the charter’s overflight permits,” Pan Men-an, secretary-general to the president, told a news conference.
“The real reason is that the Chinese authorities exerted intense pressure including economic coercion,” he said.
China claims Taiwan is part of its territory and opposes the self-governed island’s participation in international organizations and exchanges with other countries.
Lai was due to visit Eswatini from April 22 to 26 for the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession and his 58th birthday.
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is among Taiwan’s 12 remaining allies that still recognize Taiwan’s claim to statehood, after China convinced others to sever diplomatic relations with Taipei in favor of Beijing.
A special envoy will be appointed to attend the celebrations in Eswatini on Lai’s behalf, Pan said.