Taiwan President cancels Africa trip

The cancellation marks the first time a Taiwanese leader has been blocked from international travel due to the denial of airspace access.

Officials in Taipei stated that Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar rescinded their permits following intervention from Beijing, which continues to isolate Taiwan diplomatically.

The visit to Eswatini, the island's last remaining partner on the continent, was intended to strengthen bilateral ties.

The incident underscores the escalating competition for influence in Africa between the two powers as global tensions mount.