China Praises Africa, Condemns Taiwan's President Trip Block

In a diplomatic confrontation spanning continents, China commended three African nations for denying Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's aircraft the right to transit their airspace. The unprecedented move forced the cancellation of Lai's intended visit to Eswatini, one of the few countries maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan, sparking heated rhetoric from Taipei.

Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar, cited as adhering to China's 'One-China' principle, reversed their previous permissions for the flight. Beijing heralded their decision as just, countering Taiwan's assertion of undue economic pressure, a claim vehemently disputed by China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhang Han.

The incident underscores the deepening strain in Sino-Taiwanese relations, as Taiwan decried the action, asserting its sovereign right to global engagement. Meanwhile, China's foreign ministry dismissed the relevance of Taiwan's presidency. Echoing these critical sentiments, U.S. lawmakers framed China's actions as coercive economic diplomacy aimed at isolating Taiwan.

(With inputs from agencies.)