Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has cancelled a trip to the southern African nation of Eswatini, accusing China of putting pressure on other countries to bar his aircraft from flying over their territories.

Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked Lai's flight permits after intense pressure and economic coercion from China, claimed a Taiwan official. China denied coercing any nations, expressing appreciation for the three Indian Ocean countries.

This occurrence represents the first publicly known instance in which Taiwan's leader has had to cancel an overseas trip due to revoked flight permits.

Eswatini stands as Taiwan's sole diplomatic ally in Africa among 12 nations. Reports indicate that Seychelles and Madagascar justified their decision by stating they do not recognize Taiwan.

Taiwan officials asserted that the cancellation of flight permits was unexpected and without prior warning. China adheres to the one China principle, asserting sovereignty over Taiwan, while many in Taiwan consider themselves a sovereign nation.

Beijing views the self-governed island as a breakaway province that will eventually return to its control, not ruling out the use of force if necessary. The Chinese government has consistently expressed disapproval of Lai, calling him a troublemaker and a destroyer of cross-strait peace.

In a statement on social media, Lai condemned China's coercive actions, arguing that such measures demonstrate the risks posed to the international order by authoritarian regimes. He emphasized, No amount of threats or coercion will shake Taiwan's resolve to engage with the world.

The government of Eswatini expressed regret over Lai's inability to visit but affirmed that this situation would not alter their longstanding bilateral ties. Lai was scheduled to spend April 22-26 in Eswatini to attend celebrations for the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III's reign and the king's birthday. Taiwan has announced that a special envoy will be appointed to represent Lai at the celebrations.

At a recent press briefing, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office praised the actions of the nations involved for upholding the one-China principle, asserting that Lai's title as the President of the Republic of China no longer holds significance globally. Criticism from the United States has since emerged, with some U.S. officials expressing their support for Taiwan against China's coercive measures.