Story perspectives

Taiwan President's 24,000km Flight to Eswatini Skirts China-Pressured Airspace

5/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Lai Ching-te flew to Eswatini on a covert 24,000 km route that avoided airspace denied after Chinese pressure.
The presidential jet carried only carry-on bags to reduce weight for the long flight.
Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar withdrew overflight permission after Beijing pressured them, forcing the plane to skirt their airspace.
Four Taiwanese military jets escorted the aircraft on its return.
Beijing denounced the trip as an illegal exit.

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Story summary

President Lai Ching-te flew to Eswatini on a covert 24,000 km route that avoided airspace denied after Chinese pressure.
The presidential jet carried only carry-on bags to reduce weight for the long flight.
Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar withdrew overflight permission after Beijing pressured them, forcing the plane to skirt their airspace.
Four Taiwanese military jets escorted the aircraft on its return.
Beijing denounced the trip as an illegal exit.