Taiwan President Lai Ching-te was originally scheduled to depart on April 22 for a visit to Eswatini, Taiwan’s diplomatic ally in Africa. However, the trip was urgently postponed after Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar—countries along the flight route—suddenly revoked overflight permissions for the presidential aircraft.
The incident not only affected Taiwan’s diplomatic arrangements but also drew international attention and support from allies.
China’s pressure and interference in Taiwan’s presidential visit
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release on April 22 stating that the foreign ministries of Seychelles and Madagascar separately cited non-recognition of Taiwan’s sovereignty and adherence to the “One China principle” as reasons for their sudden withdrawal of overflight clearance. Taiwan described this unusual move as clear evidence that China is the mastermind behind the disruption of President Lai’s visit plan.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned China for openly using political power to interfere with normal international civil aviation operations and for politicizing and weaponizing flight information regions.
According to a Central News Agency (CNA) report by reporter Wen Kuei-hsiang (April 22, 2026),a diplomatic source noted that China’s pressure on third countries to obstruct Taiwan’s presidential travel is no longer a simple diplomatic issue, but one involving sovereignty, freedom of international movement, and regional security order.
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EU calls for de-politicization of airspace management
Following the incident, an EU spokesperson stated on the 21st that decisions related to airspace management should be transparent and predictable, based on safety and stability considerations, and should not be used as a tool to achieve political objectives, reported Reuters.
Several of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies quickly expressed support. Leaders of Paraguay’s Congress publicly criticized the denial of overflight rights to Taiwan’s president without legitimate justification, calling it a serious violation of sovereignty and the right of self-determination. Paraguay’s foreign ministry also condemned the use of economic and political pressure to interfere in normal relations between countries, according to Taipei Times.
In addition, officials from Saint Kitts and Nevis shared related information on social media, stating that coercive actions by certain countries have posed a threat to global security, and calling on the international community to pay attention to and oppose such behavior.
A forementioned diplomatic source believes that statements from Taiwan’s allies indicate the incident has been elevated to an international level, becoming a “counter-coercion” issue of global concern.
Foreign Ministry urges China to reduce pressure, thanks EU support
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release on Wednesday afternoon, expressing sincere gratitude and affirmation for the EU’s prompt statements and support.
The ministry stated that President Lai’s planned visit to Eswatini was a legitimate diplomatic effort to deepen bilateral ties and promote cooperation projects. However, China has continued to use political pressure to interfere with third countries’ exercise of airspace management authority, which has improperly affected international civil aviation order and undermined regional flight safety and normal diplomatic exchanges.
The ministry emphasized that Taiwan, as a responsible member of the international community, has always adhered to relevant international norms, and strongly condemns China’s use of political power to interfere in international civil aviation operations and legitimate diplomatic interactions between countries.
Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with the European Union and like-minded partners to jointly uphold a rules-based international order and ensure a safe, open, and predictable international aviation and diplomatic environment.
Domestic reactions
Domestically, there are differing interpretations. Some opposition figures expressed regret over the disruption of the visit and called on China to reduce pressure on Taiwan and preserve diplomatic space.
Overall, the disruption of this visit not only affected a single diplomatic itinerary but also highlights the external pressures Taiwan faces in international engagement.
Aforementioned diplomatic source analyzed that with allies publicly voicing support, the incident has shifted from a bilateral or cross-strait issue to a broader international focus on “counter-coercion” and the principle of maintaining free engagement between countries.
By Li Ming
