The cancellation of President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) planned trip to Africa after reported Chinese pressure over overflight permissions has been described by diplomats and officials as a “warning shot,” Nikkei Asia reported Thursday.
Lai had been scheduled to travel to Eswatini this week but called off the visit the night before departure. His administration said Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked overflight clearance after pressure from Beijing.
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British Representative to Taiwan Ruth Bradley-Jones said the incident was “very concerning.” She said airspace management should remain neutral and not be influenced by political considerations.
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A former Taiwanese ambassador said the episode marks the first time a sitting president has been forced to cancel an overseas trip solely due to overflight denial, per Nikkei Asia. He said it echoes past incidents but represents a sharper escalation.
The former ambassador, who requested anonymity, called the latest case “a warning shot by Beijing” demonstrating a wider range of coercive tools. He said the incident could set a precedent if other countries follow similar pressure.
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Western and Japanese officials also raised concerns. The American Institute in Taiwan said the move reflected Beijing’s “intimidation campaign” and misuse of the international civil aviation system.
An EU spokesperson said overflight rights are fundamental to global aviation, while Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Minoru stressed the need for transparency and safety.
Within Taiwan, criticism has come from both ruling and opposition parties. Even the KMT supported a legislative motion condemning the reported interference, per Nikkei Asia.
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The former ambassador said the episode may reflect Beijing’s response to Taiwan’s recent diplomatic outreach in Japan, Southeast Asia, and Europe. He said the key question now is how Taiwan and its partners respond beyond verbal condemnation.