Overview
- Taiwan postponed President Lai Ching-te’s trip to Eswatini after Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles revoked previously approved overflight clearances for his plane.
- The U.S. State Department accused the three governments of acting at China’s behest and said Flight Information Regions exist to keep flights safe, not to advance politics.
- Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles denied coercion and said they acted under their sovereign authority, while China rejected the U.S. claim and praised the governments involved.
- Taipei said it would send a special envoy to Eswatini’s celebrations in place of Lai, as Eswatini reaffirmed ties with Taiwan and noted that airspace access is each country’s decision.
- The dispute unfolds as China expands trade and incentives in Africa, including a zero‑tariff plan for 53 countries that excludes Eswatini, reinforcing fears that economic leverage is narrowing Taiwan’s diplomatic space on the continent.