Taiwan president cancels Africa trip blaming Chinese pressure


Taiwan President Lai Ching-te speaks at a press conference on defence spending in Taipei, Taiwan on November 26, 2025.

Photo credit: Reuters

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Tuesday he had cancelled his trip to Eswatini this week, after his government accused China of pressing three other African countries to revoke permission for his aircraft to fly over their territories.

The small southern African nation of Eswatini is one of only 12 countries to retain formal ties with Chinese-claimed Taiwan. Lai was due to leave on Wednesday for the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III's accession.