Story perspectives

Beijing Pressures Europe, Africa to Block Taiwan Flights

4/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Germany and the Czech Republic denied Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s request to use their airports, citing Beijing pressure.
Beijing persuaded Mauritius, Seychelles and Madagascar to revoke overflight permits for the direct southern-Africa route.
The revocation blocked Taiwan’s plan for a French transit via Réunion and a charter from Eswatini’s king.
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung flew to Eswatini as a special envoy, traveling via Vienna and returning through Frankfurt.

1 of 1

Story summary

Germany and the Czech Republic denied Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s request to use their airports, citing Beijing pressure.
Beijing persuaded Mauritius, Seychelles and Madagascar to revoke overflight permits for the direct southern-Africa route.
The revocation blocked Taiwan’s plan for a French transit via Réunion and a charter from Eswatini’s king.
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung flew to Eswatini as a special envoy, traveling via Vienna and returning through Frankfurt.