The United States has accused China of pressuring African countries to deny overflight access to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, forcing the cancellation of a planned diplomatic visit and raising fresh concerns over Beijing’s global influence.
Washington said several African states revoked previously granted airspace permissions for Lai’s aircraft as he prepared to travel to Eswatini, Taiwan’s only remaining diplomatic ally on the continent.
The U.S. State Department described the move as an “abuse” of international civil aviation norms, accusing Beijing of using political pressure to interfere with routine travel.
“These countries are acting at the behest of China,” a State Department spokesperson said, adding that airspace management should be used solely to ensure aviation safety, not as a political tool.
Taiwan said that Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar withdrew overflight clearances, marking the first time a Taiwanese president has had to cancel an entire foreign trip due to denial of transit access.
The incident comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions between China and Taiwan, with Beijing stepping up efforts to isolate the self-governed island internationally. China views Taiwan as part of its territory and opposes any official engagement between Taipei and foreign governments.
A senior Taiwanese security official said Beijing had applied pressure on the African nations, including threats of economic retaliation such as withdrawing debt relief. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office denied the allegation but welcomed the countries’ adherence to the “One China” principle.
The European Union and Britain also voiced concern, urging that decisions over airspace access be made transparently and not for political purposes.
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The episode underscores China’s growing diplomatic and economic footprint in Africa, where most countries have formal ties with Beijing and benefit from trade and infrastructure financing.
For Taiwan, the cancellation is a significant setback in its efforts to maintain international partnerships. Eswatini, a small southern African kingdom, remains one of only a dozen countries worldwide that recognise Taipei diplomatically.
Lai had been due to attend events marking the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession, in what would have been a key show of support for one of Taiwan’s last allies.
The United States, while lacking formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, remains its strongest international backer and has increasingly criticised China’s efforts to isolate the island.
Analysts say the use of airspace restrictions signals a new phase in Beijing’s strategy, extending pressure beyond traditional diplomacy into global transport and logistics systems.
The dispute also raises broader concerns about the politicisation of international aviation, particularly in regions where smaller states may face competing pressures from major powers.
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As tensions between China and Taiwan continue to intensify, the incident highlights how geopolitical rivalries are increasingly shaping decisions far beyond the immediate sphere of diplomacy.
The dispute over Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s cancelled Africa trip reflects intensifying geopolitical competition between China and Taiwan for diplomatic recognition and international space.
China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has long sought to isolate it diplomatically, pressuring countries to adhere to its “One China” policy, which recognises Beijing as the sole legitimate government of China. As a result, Taiwan’s formal diplomatic allies have dwindled to just a handful of countries globally.
In Africa, Eswatini stands out as Taiwan’s only remaining formal ally. Most other African nations have established ties with Beijing, attracted by trade, infrastructure financing and investment under initiatives such as the Belt and Road.
Over the past decade, China has increased efforts to limit Taiwan’s international engagement, including blocking its participation in global organisations and discouraging official visits. Analysts say the reported revocation of overflight rights by countries such as Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar marks an escalation, extending pressure into civil aviation and transit routes.
The United States, which maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan, has repeatedly criticised Beijing’s actions, describing them as coercive. Washington remains Taiwan’s main international supporter and arms supplier, despite not having formal diplomatic ties.
The issue also highlights the strategic importance of airspace and transit permissions in international diplomacy. Countries managing key air routes can play a significant role in enabling or restricting official travel, particularly for politically sensitive visits.
Tensions have been further shaped by Taiwan’s efforts to maintain its remaining alliances. High-level visits to partner countries, including previous trips to Eswatini by former president Tsai Ing-wen, are seen as crucial for reinforcing diplomatic ties.
The latest incident underscores how geopolitical rivalries are increasingly influencing decisions beyond traditional diplomacy, with implications for international aviation norms and the balance of influence in regions such as Africa.
