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China lauds islands denying Taiwan leader's flight; US decries abuse.

4/26/2026

36 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

China praised Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar for denying overflight rights to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, prompting the first cancellation of his foreign trip.
The U.S. State Department called the revocations an abuse of international civil aviation and said they were carried out at China’s behest.
The EU and Britain’s de facto ambassador to Taiwan said airspace decisions must be transparent and not used for political purposes.

History

Historical Context

The 1995-96 Taiwan Strait crisis began with PLA missile tests in July 1995 and escalated in March 1996, when China closed the strait to sea and air traffic and the United States dispatched carrier groups to deter aggression. The crisis coincided with Taiwan’s 23 March 1996 presidential election, boosting Lee Teng-hui’s poll lead. Today, Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar, urged by Beijing, repeat that air-space pressure.

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Story summary

China praised Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar for denying overflight rights to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, prompting the first cancellation of his foreign trip.
The U.S. State Department called the revocations an abuse of international civil aviation and said they were carried out at China’s behest.
The EU and Britain’s de facto ambassador to Taiwan said airspace decisions must be transparent and not used for political purposes.

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