TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Representative Tom Tiffany on Thursday called on Trump administration officials to impose sanctions on three African countries that blocked President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) flight to Eswatini at the alleged behest of Beijing.

Secretary-General to the President Pan Men-an (潘孟安) said on Tuesday that, under pressure from China, including economic coercion, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked overflight permits for the presidential aircraft. Tiffany responded by sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin.

Tiffany said he shares the Trump administration's concerns about the breach of international civil aviation norms by “three of Communist China's client states in Africa.” He noted that the removal of flight privileges was reportedly done at “Beijing's behest.”

He condemned the move as an “irresponsible action” that sets a dangerous precedent. He expressed hope that the officials will take appropriate measures to hold these governments to account.

To retaliate against Madagascar, Tiffany recommended freezing more than US$100 million (NT$3.15 billion) in US foreign assistance that the US Embassy in Antananarivo had recently announced. He also suggested adding Mauritius to the “travel ban” list under Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

He noted that Mauritius has attempted to drive the UK out of the Chagos Islands, which include the strategically important atoll of Diego Garcia, home to a major US military base.

The representative closed by requesting that White House officials halt any consideration of, or discussion with, Seychelles regarding its possible inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program.