Lai Ching-te, the president of Taiwan, has canceled a trip to Eswatini in southern Africa, claiming that China is pressuring other nations to prevent his plane from passing across their borders. Lai’s flying licenses were revoked by the Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar due to “intense pressure” and economic coercion from China, according to a Taiwan official. China expressed its “high appreciation” for the three Indian Ocean countries while denying any coercion.
This is the first time Taiwan’s leader has had to postpone a trip because their flight permissions were canceled. Eswatini is the sole country in Africa and one of Taiwan’s twelve diplomatic allies. Seychelles and Madagascar claimed they made the choice because they do not recognize Taiwan, according to news agency Reuters. According to Taiwanese officials, the flight permits were revoked “unexpectedly and without prior notice” by the three African nations.
China upholds the “one China” idea, according to which Beijing claims sovereignty over Taiwan, despite the fact that many Taiwanese people believe they are an independent country. Beijing has not ruled out using force to bring about the self-governing island’s eventual integration into the nation, viewing it as a breakaway province.
Also Read:
Stop Guger Advancing Neurotechnology Through Scientific Integrity
Nicolas Baerfuss: A Digital Space for Growth, Balance, and Well-Being
