Charisma Jonah, April 23, 2026
China has rejected criticism from the United States regarding alleged pressure on African countries to deny overflight access to Taiwan’s presidential aircraft, describing the claims as unfounded and an interference in its internal affairs.
Speaking at a press briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that Washington’s position misrepresents the situation and fails to recognise what Beijing described as legitimate actions taken by countries adhering to the “One China” principle.
The response follows statements by the United States, which accused China of influencing countries including Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar to revoke flight permits for Taiwan’s president. The restrictions affected a planned visit by Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te to Eswatini, one of the few countries maintaining formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Taiwanese authorities said the withdrawal of airspace access forced the cancellation of the trip, marking the first instance in which a Taiwanese president has been unable to undertake an overseas visit due to denied transit permissions. Taiwan described the development as a result of external pressure, an allegation China has denied.
The United States, through its diplomatic representation in Taipei led by Raymond Greene, urged China to halt what it described as military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan and to pursue dialogue with its leadership. Concerns over the situation were also expressed by representatives of the European Union and the United Kingdom.
China maintains that Taiwan is part of its territory and opposes any form of official international engagement involving the island. Taiwan’s government rejects this position and continues to seek broader international participation, although it currently maintains formal diplomatic ties with a limited number of countries.
