Taipei [Taiwan], April 26 (ANI): Several European lawmakers sharply criticised China after Taiwan President William Lai cancelled a planned diplomatic trip to Eswatini, reportedly because countries along his flight path withdrew overflight permissions, The Taipei Times reported.
The visit was called off a day before departure when Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar revoked previously granted clearances. Taiwan’s Presidential Office described the actions as “economic coercion,” suggesting Beijing influenced the decisions.
German MP Klaus-Peter Willsch warned the episode signals a worrying expansion of China’s geopolitical pressure into global aviation. He said denying airspace for political reasons undermines the International Civil Aviation Organization’s principles and the norms of the Chicago Convention, and reiterated his long-standing support for Taiwan’s participation in ICAO.
In Italy, Senate Vice President Gian Marco Centinaio said Taiwan’s democratically elected leaders should not be prevented from international engagement. Senator Isabella De Monte called the move coercive diplomacy, MP Alessandro Cattaneo warned it creates a dangerous precedent where political pressure dictates international travel, and Fabrizio Benzoni questioned whether global rules and diplomatic freedoms are being upheld, The Taipei Times reported.
European representative offices in Taipei also commented. The French Office in Taipei and the German Institute Taipei said airspace management decisions must prioritise safety, stability and predictability over political considerations, according to The Taipei Times.
China’s claim over Taiwan is a complex mix of historical, political and legal arguments. Beijing maintains that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, a position reflected in national policy and various international statements. Taiwan, however, operates with its own government, military and economy, asserting a distinct identity. (ANI)
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