President Lai's Trip Blocked: Mauritius Sources Say Unwilling to Jeopardize Ties with China
President Lai Ching-te's diplomatic visit to Eswatini was delayed after Mauritius, Seychelles, and Madagascar revoked flight permits for his aircraft, reportedly due to pressure from China.
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- 📰 Published: April 22, 2026 at 22:28
- 🔍 Collected: April 22, 2026 at 22:32 (3 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 22, 2026 at 23:19 (47 min after Collected)
President Lai Ching-te's scheduled visit to Taiwan's African ally, Eswatini, has been delayed after three countries, including Mauritius, revoked flight permits for his presidential aircraft. Media reports in Mauritius indicate that the Prime Minister's Office is unwilling to take actions that could jeopardize its relationship with China.
Lai was originally set to depart on the 22nd (Taiwan time). However, the sudden revocation of overflight permits by Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar forced a postponement. While mainstream media in Seychelles and Madagascar provided limited coverage, Mauritius' 'l’express' reported on the delay, citing Presidential Secretary-General Pan Men-an's statement that the revocations were caused by China's heavy pressure and economic coercion.
An advisor at the Mauritius Prime Minister's Office confirmed that authorities did not approve any permits, stating that due to the importance placed on ties with China, they 'would not take any action that could jeopardize China-Mauritius relations.' Other media outlets in Mauritius, such as Defimedia.info, noted that the country has always maintained a good relationship with China and remains consistent with the 'One China' principle.
Seychelles' Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the lack of permission for the Taiwanese presidential plane was consistent with its policy of not recognizing Taiwan. Madagascar also confirmed it refused overflight based on sovereignty and the 'One China' principle.
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong condemnation via social media, accusing China of using political and economic means to pressure other countries into changing sovereign decisions and 'weaponizing' flight information regions, which affects international civil aviation. The Ministry also protested against Seychelles and Madagascar for 'following China's distorted rhetoric' and reiterated that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign independent state, not subordinate to the People's Republic of China, and has the right to engage with the world.
Lai was originally set to depart on the 22nd (Taiwan time). However, the sudden revocation of overflight permits by Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar forced a postponement. While mainstream media in Seychelles and Madagascar provided limited coverage, Mauritius' 'l’express' reported on the delay, citing Presidential Secretary-General Pan Men-an's statement that the revocations were caused by China's heavy pressure and economic coercion.
An advisor at the Mauritius Prime Minister's Office confirmed that authorities did not approve any permits, stating that due to the importance placed on ties with China, they 'would not take any action that could jeopardize China-Mauritius relations.' Other media outlets in Mauritius, such as Defimedia.info, noted that the country has always maintained a good relationship with China and remains consistent with the 'One China' principle.
Seychelles' Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the lack of permission for the Taiwanese presidential plane was consistent with its policy of not recognizing Taiwan. Madagascar also confirmed it refused overflight based on sovereignty and the 'One China' principle.
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong condemnation via social media, accusing China of using political and economic means to pressure other countries into changing sovereign decisions and 'weaponizing' flight information regions, which affects international civil aviation. The Ministry also protested against Seychelles and Madagascar for 'following China's distorted rhetoric' and reiterated that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign independent state, not subordinate to the People's Republic of China, and has the right to engage with the world.