Taiwan president blames China for cancelled Eswatini trip – fact check

Claim Taiwan’s government stated that the cancellation of President Lai Ching‑te’s Eswatini trip resulted from pressure by China after Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar revoked overflight permits for the presidential aircraft.

Evidence Seychelles’ foreign affairs ministry told Reuters that the Taiwanese president’s plane was not granted clearance for overflight or landing, citing its longstanding policy of not recognising Taiwan’s sovereignty. A Madagascar foreign ministry official confirmed to Reuters that Madagascar denied an overflight request, stating its diplomacy recognises only one China and the decision respected Madagascar’s airspace sovereignty. Mauritius did not respond to requests for comment. Lai’s office said the revocations were due to Chinese pressure, including threats of economic sanctions against the three African states. Lai himself wrote on social media that China’s “suppressive actions” showed the threat authoritarian states pose to international order.

Verdict The claim that Taiwan’s president blamed China for the forced cancellation of his Eswatini trip is true.

Analysis The Seychelles and Madagascar statements directly confirm the denial of overflight permissions. Taiwanese officials linked those denials to Chinese pressure, and Lai’s remarks reinforce the attribution of blame. No evidence contradicts the link; Mauritius’s silence does not refute it. The pattern fits China’s broader stance that Taiwan is part of its territory and its reluctance to allow Taiwanese leaders to travel through African airspace. Watch for any response from Mauritius or further diplomatic moves by China regarding Taiwan’s remaining African allies.