Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has cancelled a planned visit to Eswatini after several African countries denied overflight access to his aircraft, according to a government statement on Tuesday.

The trip, which was scheduled for this week, would have taken Lai to Eswatini one of the few countries that maintains formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Officials in Taipei said Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar withdrew previously granted permissions for the presidential aircraft to cross their airspace as cited by reuters.

Taiwan’s government attributed the sudden change to pressure from China, which claims the island as part of its territory and opposes any official international engagement by Taiwanese leaders. A senior official said the alleged pressure included economic considerations, though these claims have not been independently verified.

Authorities in Seychelles and Madagascar confirmed denying overflight clearance, citing adherence to the long-standing “One China” policy that recognises Beijing as the sole legitimate government of China. Mauritius had not issued an official response at the time of reporting.

Lai, in a public statement, said the cancellation would not alter Taiwan’s commitment to engaging with international partners, adding that external pressure would not deter the island’s global outreach. His visit to Eswatini was intended to mark the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession.

The incident underscores the diplomatic constraints Taiwan faces globally, particularly in regions where China maintains strong political and economic influence.