China commends three African countries for blocking Taiwan president's trip
China praised three African countries on Wednesday after they refused to allow the aircraft of Lai Ching-te to pass through their airspace, a move that forced him to cancel a planned trip to Eswatini.
Black News 
China praised three African countries on Wednesday after they refused to allow the aircraft of Lai Ching-te to pass through their airspace, a move that forced him to cancel a planned trip to Eswatini.
- Three African countries refused to permit Taiwanese Vice President Lai Ching-te's aircraft to pass through their airspace.
- China praised these countries for adhering to the 'One China' policy, which does not recognise Taiwan as a sovereign state.
- Taiwan accused China of using economic coercion to influence the decision, which China denied, emphasising international support for their stance.
- Lai rejected Beijing's pressure, asserting Taiwan's right to international engagement and that increased pressure would only strengthen Taiwan's resolve.
China praised three African countries on Wednesday after they refused to allow the aircraft of Lai Ching-te to pass through their airspace, a move that forced him to cancel a planned trip to Eswatini.
Lai had been scheduled to travel from April 22 to 26 to attend celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession to the throne. But Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar withdrew previously granted permissions for the presidential aircraft to pass through their airspace, without prior notice, according to Taiwan’s Presidential Office.
Authorities in Seychelles and Madagascar reiterated adherence to the “One China” policy, under which they do not recognise Taiwan as a sovereign state, Reuters reported.
Taiwan accused China of using economic “coercion” to influence the decision, a claim denied by a spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office. The spokesperson, Zhang Han, praised the three countries for what Beijing described as adherence to the “one-China principle,” quoting the philosopher Mencius to argue that “a just cause enjoys abundant support.”
China’s foreign ministry reiterated that there is “no longer a so-called Republic of China president in the world,” calling Lai’s title illegitimate and saying those who use it “will only invite disgrace upon themselves.”
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Lai, speaking in Taipei at a meeting of his Democratic Progressive Party, rejected Beijing’s pressure, saying Taiwan’s people have a right to engage globally. “No country can stop this, and none will be able to,” he said, adding that increased pressure from China would only strengthen Taiwan’s resolve.
The cancellation did not affect Eswatini’s diplomatic ties with Taiwan, according to government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli, who said the country maintains an independent foreign policy focused on cooperation and peace.
Eswatini remains Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Africa, making the visit symbolically significant as Beijing intensifies efforts to isolate the island internationally.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry condemned the remarks from Seychelles and Madagascar, accusing them of acting “in servitude to China.” Meanwhile, some U.S. lawmakers warned the move reflects growing economic pressure on democratic partners.
