TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The TPP has criticized China for interfering with President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) planned trip to Eswatini, while the KMT expressed regret at its cancellation.
Secretary-General to the President Pan Men-an (潘孟安) on Tuesday said that due to pressure from China, including economic coercion, the Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked overflight permits for the presidential aircraft, per SET News. After careful assessment by the national security team and consideration of the safety of the head of state, delegation, and flight, the trip was postponed.
TPP Spokesperson Chang Tung (張彤) condemned China's pressure on the three African nations to revoke flight permits for Lai's presidential aircraft. Chang said, "Such pressure and threats not only seriously trample on Taiwan’s sovereignty and interfere in its internal affairs, but also do nothing to promote cross-strait relations.”
Chang said, “If the CCP continues to aggressively squeeze Taiwan's diplomatic space and intimidate the Taiwanese, it will not help cross-strait relations, regional relations, or even global peace,” reported SET News. It will not only fail to promote healthy cross-strait exchanges, but will also exacerbate tensions in the Taiwan Strait and push the Taiwanese further away.
He said the TPP supports the government's continued efforts to advance diplomacy, enhance Taiwan's international visibility, and maintain friendly relations. It also called on China to cease its coercive tactics and attempts to diminish Taiwan's sovereignty.
The KMT expressed deep regret over the cancellation of Lai's visit to Eswatini, per CNA. The party urged Beijing to exercise restraint, reduce pressure, and allow Taiwan greater diplomatic space.
It said that former President Ma Ying-jeou's (馬英九 ) “flexible diplomacy” and cross-strait “diplomatic truce” helped maintain 22 diplomatic allies during his administration. This underscored the importance of keeping communication channels open across the Taiwan Strait.
