President Lai's State Visit Hindered; Several Japanese Lawmakers Express Concern
President Lai Ching-te's planned visit to Eswatini was postponed after several African nations abruptly canceled flight permits. The incident, viewed as Beijing's diplomatic coercion, has drawn strong concern from the US, EU, and Japanese lawmakers.
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- 📰 Published: April 24, 2026 at 16:25
- 🔍 Collected: April 24, 2026 at 16:31 (6 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 24, 2026 at 21:49 (5h 17m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(CNA, Tokyo, 24th) President Lai had originally planned to visit Taiwan's African ally, Eswatini, this month, but the trip was temporarily suspended after other African nations abruptly canceled the flight permits for his special aircraft. This incident has sparked the concern of the Japanese government and several Japanese lawmakers.
President Lai Ching-te was scheduled to fly directly to Eswatini on the 22nd of this month. However, the Indian Ocean island nations of Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar, also located in Africa, abruptly canceled the flight permits for the special aircraft without warning, causing the itinerary to be postponed. The U.S. Congress, the European Union, and Taiwan's ally Paraguay have successively condemned Beijing for weaponizing aviation safety and utilizing economic coercion to isolate democratic partners.
Several Japanese lawmakers have posted on social media expressing concern over the matter. Keiji Furuya, a member of the House of Representatives and chairman of the cross-party pro-Taiwan parliamentary group "Japan-ROC Diet Members' Consultative Council," posted on his Facebook page, stating: "Aviation safety and ensuring security are common interests of the international community, and all countries must operate in a transparent manner."
He also argued in his post: "Under the guise of 'international contributions,' China actually prioritizes its own interests, providing excessive loans to developing countries such as those in Africa, and unilaterally injecting personnel and equipment, making them fall into an imperceptible debt trap... And this matter is also a warning to friendly nations that are important to Japan, including Pacific island countries."
Furuya continued in his post, "We will cooperate with countries that share common values such as liberal democracy, basic human rights, and the rule of law to strive to maintain international order and peace."
He also expressed his belief that "the relationship between Japan and Taiwan will not be damaged under any circumstances."
Additionally, Megumi Ishii, a member of the House of Councillors from the Japan Innovation Party, currently serves as the secretary-general of the "Japan-Taiwan Friendship Diet Members' League." She posted on the social platform X on the 23rd, expressing "strong concern" over reports regarding the cancellation of the flight permits for President Lai's aircraft.
She wrote in her post: "This case is part of legitimate diplomatic activities. If it was indeed restricted due to external pressure, I believe this is a problem that cannot be taken lightly. Furthermore, from the perspective of maintaining regional stability and observing international norms, I believe the details surrounding this incident should be thoroughly clarified."
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated yesterday regarding this matter that "ensuring aviation safety and security, which are common interests of the international community, is of utmost importance," adding that Japan will continue to monitor the related situation. (Editor: Yang Wei-jing) 1150424
(CNA, Tokyo, 24th) President Lai had originally planned to visit Taiwan's African ally, Eswatini, this month, but the trip was temporarily suspended after other African nations abruptly canceled the flight permits for his special aircraft. This incident has sparked the concern of the Japanese government and several Japanese lawmakers.
President Lai Ching-te was scheduled to fly directly to Eswatini on the 22nd of this month. However, the Indian Ocean island nations of Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar, also located in Africa, abruptly canceled the flight permits for the special aircraft without warning, causing the itinerary to be postponed. The U.S. Congress, the European Union, and Taiwan's ally Paraguay have successively condemned Beijing for weaponizing aviation safety and utilizing economic coercion to isolate democratic partners.
Several Japanese lawmakers have posted on social media expressing concern over the matter. Keiji Furuya, a member of the House of Representatives and chairman of the cross-party pro-Taiwan parliamentary group "Japan-ROC Diet Members' Consultative Council," posted on his Facebook page, stating: "Aviation safety and ensuring security are common interests of the international community, and all countries must operate in a transparent manner."
He also argued in his post: "Under the guise of 'international contributions,' China actually prioritizes its own interests, providing excessive loans to developing countries such as those in Africa, and unilaterally injecting personnel and equipment, making them fall into an imperceptible debt trap... And this matter is also a warning to friendly nations that are important to Japan, including Pacific island countries."
Furuya continued in his post, "We will cooperate with countries that share common values such as liberal democracy, basic human rights, and the rule of law to strive to maintain international order and peace."
He also expressed his belief that "the relationship between Japan and Taiwan will not be damaged under any circumstances."
Additionally, Megumi Ishii, a member of the House of Councillors from the Japan Innovation Party, currently serves as the secretary-general of the "Japan-Taiwan Friendship Diet Members' League." She posted on the social platform X on the 23rd, expressing "strong concern" over reports regarding the cancellation of the flight permits for President Lai's aircraft.
She wrote in her post: "This case is part of legitimate diplomatic activities. If it was indeed restricted due to external pressure, I believe this is a problem that cannot be taken lightly. Furthermore, from the perspective of maintaining regional stability and observing international norms, I believe the details surrounding this incident should be thoroughly clarified."
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated yesterday regarding this matter that "ensuring aviation safety and security, which are common interests of the international community, is of utmost importance," adding that Japan will continue to monitor the related situation. (Editor: Yang Wei-jing) 1150424