Beijing Blocks Taiwan President’s Airspace Access

Beijing has repeatedly used diplomatic pressure to limit Taiwan’s overseas travel, from U.S. denials of President Chen Shui-bian’s 2006 stop-over to recent restrictions on President Lai Ching-te. On 21 April 2026 the Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar withdrew overflight permits for Lai’s chartered aircraft. With less than 24 hours to secure alternatives, Lai cancelled his visit to Eswatini, Taiwan’s only African diplomatic ally, on 22 April. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung arrived in Eswatini on 25 April as Lai’s special envoy, posting his delegation “overcame all obstacles.” Lai sent a video message to King Mswati III on 26 April reaffirming Taiwan’s sovereignty. A U.S.–China summit slated for mid-May, with President Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, may affect U.S. transit permissions for Taiwanese officials.

ReutersCentral News Agency (CNA) / Focus TaiwanTaiwan NewsLowy InstituteTaiwan FM reaches Eswatini after president's overflight rowTaiwan minister says China's sanctions on European firms will not hinder weapons sourcingReuters

Taiwan retains diplomatic relations with 12 countries, including Eswatini. The three African states that revoked overflight rights are in the Indian Ocean region. Under President Tsai Ing-wen, ten nations cut ties with Taipei, leaving the island with its current 12 partners.

Reuters

Taiwan’s presidential office accused Beijing of coercing the three states to withdraw permission. President Lai emphasized Taiwan’s right to international engagement and said external pressure only strengthens its resolve. Lin’s Facebook post highlighted the deep friendship with Eswatini and asserted that Taiwan would not be held back by authoritarian forces. China denied any pressure and praised the African nations’ decisions. The United States, European Union, United Kingdom, France and Germany issued statements expressing concern over the revocations and impact on civil aviation.

ReutersTaiwan FM reaches Eswatini after president's overflight rowCentral News Agency (CNA) / Focus TaiwanLowy InstituteTaiwan NewsReutersTaiwan minister says China's sanctions on European firms will not hinder weapons sourcing

U.S. congressional leaders and the White House have pledged to help Taiwan preserve its diplomatic partners. European officials, including the German Institute Taipei and the Bureau Français de Taipei, warned that last-minute revocations undermine the Chicago Convention’s principle of predictable overflight rights. Analysts note that repeated use of this tactic could reduce its effectiveness as Taiwan adapts routing strategies and the United States may increase pressure on compliant states.

Taiwan FM reaches Eswatini after president's overflight row

Taiwan’s office refuted media reports that it had not applied for overflight clearance from Mauritius, stating procedures were finalized in mid-April. No independent verification confirms Beijing’s direct involvement; China’s comments only praised the African states’ actions.

Taiwan FM reaches Eswatini after president's overflight row

• “The greater the external pressure we face, the more courage and resolve we have," he said in English.” — Lai Ching-te, President of Taiwan.

Reuters

• “new form of pressure, politicizing and weaponizing the flight information region.” — Lin Chia-lung, post-arrival remarks.

Taiwan FM reaches Eswatini after president's overflight row

Taiwan is expected to seek alternative flight routes and deepen ties with its remaining allies. The upcoming U.S.–China summit will influence whether President Lai can obtain U.S. transit clearance for diplomatic trips. International aviation bodies will monitor Beijing’s overflight-denial tactics.

Lowy Institute