Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has cancelled a trip to the southern African nation of Eswatini, accusing China of putting pressure on other countries to bar his aircraft from flying over their territories. Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked Lai's flight permits after 'intense pressure' and economic coercion from China, said a Taiwan official. China denied coercion, praising the three Indian Ocean nations for their actions. This is the first publicly known instance where Taiwan's leader has had to cancel a trip due to revoked flight permits. Eswatini is one of 12 nations that are diplomatic allies of Taiwan and the only one in Africa. According to news agency Reuters, Seychelles and Madagascar stated they made this decision due to not recognizing Taiwan. Taiwanese officials claimed that these countries revoked the flight permits 'unexpectedly and without prior notice'. China adheres to the 'one China' principle, asserting sovereignty over Taiwan, which many in Taiwan view as a separate sovereign nation. Lai criticized China's coercive actions, reiterating Taiwan's resolve to engage with the world despite threats. The government of Eswatini expressed regret over Lai's cancellation but emphasized that it doesn't change their longstanding relationship. Lai was supposed to attend festivities marking the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III's accession and his birthday from April 22 to 26. Instead, Taiwan will appoint a special envoy to represent Lai at the celebrations.