The decision of several African countries to revoke the permit to fly over their territory by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te is the result of a "campaign of intimidation" by Beijing against the Taiwanese president, Washington denounced on Wednesday. China reacted by deeming these accusations “irresponsible”.
Published on: 04/23/2026 - 11:18
The United States denounced, Wednesday April 22, a "campaign of intimidation" by China after the decision of several African countries to revoke their overflight permits to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, thus pushing him to postpone a visit to Eswatini, in southern Africa.
Beijing responded sharply, calling the accusations "irresponsible" and urging Washington to stop encouraging Taiwanese "separatist" forces.
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Taipei announced on Tuesday to postpone Lai Ching-te's visit planned for this week to Taiwan's last diplomatic ally in Africa, after "Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar [had] revoked their overflight permits unexpectedly and without notice".
China considers Taiwan to be one of its provinces. She says she is in favor of a peaceful solution, but does not rule out using force to take control of the island.
“These countries are acting at the request of China”
The US State Department said it was “concerned” by this matter in a press release. “These countries are acting at the request of China,” he accused, denouncing “a new example of Beijing’s campaign of intimidation” against Taiwan and its allies.
The United States "irresponsibly criticized China's legitimate actions aimed at safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity," Chinese Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jiakun said. He spoke during a press briefing of “unfounded accusations” against certain countries.
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China urges the United States to “stop using the Taiwan issue to interfere in China’s internal affairs,” and to “stop sending wrong signals to separatist forces advocating Taiwan’s independence,” he said.
Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, is one of 12 countries in the world that still recognize the "Republic of China", the official name of Taiwan. All others, as well as the UN, only recognize Beijing as China's sole official representative.
US President Donald Trump is expected in China in mid-May.
With AFP
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