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Taiwan president cancels trip to Eswatini and accuses China of pressuring African countries
Taipei said China pressured three African nations to revoke flight permits, forcing Lai to delay a rare trip to Taiwan’s last African ally.
- On Tuesday, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te cancelled his planned visit to Eswatini after Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked flight permits for his aircraft without warning.
- Eswatini remains one of only 12 countries retaining formal diplomatic ties with Chinese-claimed Taiwan. Beijing, which views the self-governing island as its province, has intensified efforts to poach Taiwan's remaining allies.
- Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Meng-an confirmed the three nations revoked permits without prior warning. "The actual reason was intense pressure exerted by Chinese authorities, including economic coercion," Pan told a news conference in Taipei.
- Condemning the "suppressive actions" on Facebook, President Lai stated that no threats can negate Taiwan's ability to engage with the international community. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
- This marks the first time a Taiwan president has cancelled an overseas trip due to Chinese pressure. Beijing labels Lai a "separatist," while the president asserts that only Taiwan's people can decide their future.
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Taiwan president postpones Eswatini trip after claims of China pressure
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has postponed a planned trip to Eswatini after three African countries reportedly withdrew overflight permission, with Taipei accusing China of pressuring them.
·Pointe-Noire, Congo (the)
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Taiwan leader postpones Eswatini trip after overflight permits revoked
Taiwanese 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 following "intense pressure" from China, a senior aide said Tuesday.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources39
Leaning Left11Leaning Right8Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution39% Left
Bias Distribution
- 39% of the sources lean Left
39% Left
L 39%
C 32%
R 29%
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