3 Countries Block President Lai's Visit at Beijing's Behest; US Lawmaker Urges Washington to Pursue Accountability
President Lai's trip to Eswatini was postponed after three African nations abruptly cancelled flight clearances under Chinese pressure. US lawmakers are urging the administration to hold them accountable.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 24, 2026 at 08:22
- 🔍 Collected: April 24, 2026 at 08:31 (9 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 24, 2026 at 08:38 (7 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(CNA Reporter Hou Tzu-ying, Washington, 23rd) President Lai Ching-te was originally scheduled to visit the diplomatic ally Eswatini, but the trip was suspended after three African island nations abruptly cancelled the special flight clearances. US Representative Tom Tiffany wrote to the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security today, pointing out that the irresponsible behavior of these countries sets a dangerous precedent and hoping the US government will take measures to hold them accountable.
President Lai had planned to depart on the 22nd to visit African ally Eswatini, but Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar suddenly revoked the flight clearances, forcing the postponement of the itinerary. China's pressuring of third countries to obstruct the travel of Taiwan's head of state has drawn international attention.
The US State Department responded to CNA's inquiry yesterday, expressing concern over the reports and criticizing specific countries for interfering with the safety of routine travel by Taiwan officials at China's behest. It also urged China to cease its pressure on Taiwan and engage in meaningful dialogue instead.
According to information provided by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the US, Republican Representative Tom Tiffany sent a letter today to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. He stated that he shares concerns over the violation of international civil aviation norms by three of the Chinese Communist Party's vassal states in Africa—Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar. Reportedly, at Beijing's request, these countries arbitrarily revoked flight clearances before the Taiwan president's planned visit to Eswatini.
Tiffany wrote in the letter that this irresponsible behavior sets a dangerous precedent and expressed hope that the US government will take appropriate measures to hold these governments accountable.
Regarding Madagascar, Tiffany suggested considering freezing a recently announced US foreign aid commitment of over $100 million. He also requested the US consider placing Mauritius on a "travel ban" list; Mauritius has long attempted to expel the UK from the strategically important Chagos Islands.
Additionally, Tiffany asked the US to suspend any consideration of including Seychelles in the Visa Waiver Program or any discussions with its authorities.
Since the news broke that President Lai's trip was forced to be postponed, several US lawmakers have taken to social media to show support, condemning the CCP for once again bullying US allies and backing Taiwan's right to international participation.
Republican Senator Rick Scott posted on the X platform today, stating that this is the latest tactic adopted by the CCP to isolate and intimidate Taiwan, calling it "absolutely shameful."
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee also posted yesterday, stating that Beijing's move is not only coercive behavior but also an infringement on civil aviation norms. "The US should not let China normalize this behavior," and Washington should scrutinize its relationships with countries that quickly succumb to Chinese pressure. (Editor: Chen Hui-ping) 1150424
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(CNA Reporter Hou Tzu-ying, Washington, 23rd) President Lai Ching-te was originally scheduled to visit the diplomatic ally Eswatini, but the trip was suspended after three African island nations abruptly cancelled the special flight clearances. US Representative Tom Tiffany wrote to the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security today, pointing out that the irresponsible behavior of these countries sets a dangerous precedent and hoping the US government will take measures to hold them accountable.
President Lai had planned to depart on the 22nd to visit African ally Eswatini, but Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar suddenly revoked the flight clearances, forcing the postponement of the itinerary. China's pressuring of third countries to obstruct the travel of Taiwan's head of state has drawn international attention.
The US State Department responded to CNA's inquiry yesterday, expressing concern over the reports and criticizing specific countries for interfering with the safety of routine travel by Taiwan officials at China's behest. It also urged China to cease its pressure on Taiwan and engage in meaningful dialogue instead.
According to information provided by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the US, Republican Representative Tom Tiffany sent a letter today to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. He stated that he shares concerns over the violation of international civil aviation norms by three of the Chinese Communist Party's vassal states in Africa—Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar. Reportedly, at Beijing's request, these countries arbitrarily revoked flight clearances before the Taiwan president's planned visit to Eswatini.
Tiffany wrote in the letter that this irresponsible behavior sets a dangerous precedent and expressed hope that the US government will take appropriate measures to hold these governments accountable.
Regarding Madagascar, Tiffany suggested considering freezing a recently announced US foreign aid commitment of over $100 million. He also requested the US consider placing Mauritius on a "travel ban" list; Mauritius has long attempted to expel the UK from the strategically important Chagos Islands.
Additionally, Tiffany asked the US to suspend any consideration of including Seychelles in the Visa Waiver Program or any discussions with its authorities.
Since the news broke that President Lai's trip was forced to be postponed, several US lawmakers have taken to social media to show support, condemning the CCP for once again bullying US allies and backing Taiwan's right to international participation.
Republican Senator Rick Scott posted on the X platform today, stating that this is the latest tactic adopted by the CCP to isolate and intimidate Taiwan, calling it "absolutely shameful."
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee also posted yesterday, stating that Beijing's move is not only coercive behavior but also an infringement on civil aviation norms. "The US should not let China normalize this behavior," and Washington should scrutinize its relationships with countries that quickly succumb to Chinese pressure. (Editor: Chen Hui-ping) 1150424
Choose to stand with facts, your every sponsorship is the power to guard press freedom
Download the CNA "First-hand News" APP to grasp the latest news instantly
Text, images, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.