Lai says Taiwan will not bow to pressure upon return from Eswatini
Taiwanese President William Lai returned from Eswatini, saying Taiwan won't give in to pressure, after China forced three Indian Ocean states to deny overflight permission for his aircraft. Lai took a circuitous route over the southern Indian Ocean to avoid airspace controlled by China's allies.
Taiwanese President William Lai arrived home from Eswatini, stating that Taiwan would not yield to pressure. Lai's aircraft was initially denied overflight permission by the Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar, allegedly due to Chinese pressure. As a result, Lai took a longer route over the southern Indian Ocean, flying over Australia's Christmas Island, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines before entering Taiwan airspace. Lai traveled on the king of Eswatini's private A340 aircraft. The Chinese government had likened Lai to a 'rat' for his visit to Eswatini. Lai's last international trip was a tour of the Pacific in late 2024. The Chinese government has not responded immediately to Lai's comments.
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