Taiwan's President's visit to Eswatini blocked by mainland China
The Embassy of Taiwan in Haiti (Republic of China) announces that the official visit of His Excellency Lai Ching-te, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), to the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland, Southern Africa), initially scheduled for April 22-27, has been postponed.
"This decision follows the sudden cancellation of overflight authorizations by several countries along the presidential flight’s route, compromising the security conditions necessary for the President, his delegation, and his aircraft to travel." The President has also appointed a special envoy to represent Taiwan at the national celebrations in Eswatini.
"According to available information, the decisions to cancel overflight authorizations by certain countries were made under pressure and economic coercion exerted by the Chinese authorities." Such actions constitute a serious violation of the sovereignty of the states concerned, compromise the safety of international civil aviation, and contravene established norms and practices in this area.
The Government of Taiwan condemns these actions and reaffirms that Taiwan is a sovereign state, whose 23 million citizens have the right to participate fully in international affairs, without hindrance or intimidation.
