Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Tuesday (April 21, 2026) he ​had cancelled his trip to Eswatini this week, after his ⁠government accused China of pressing three other African countries to revoke permission for his aircraft to fly over their territories.

The small southern African nation of Eswatini is one of ‌only 12 countries to retain formal ties with Chinese-claimed Taiwan. Mr. Lai was due to leave on Wednesday (April 22, 2026) for the 40th anniversary of King ‌Mswati III’s accession.