Taipei: President Lai Ching-te said Tuesday that Taiwan's sincere wishes to King Mswati III of Eswatini to mark his Ruby jubilee will not be affected even though political interference by China has forced him to suspend a visit to Taiwan's only African diplomatic ally.

According to Focus Taiwan, the Presidential Office stated Tuesday night that Lai's trip to Eswatini, originally scheduled for Wednesday through Saturday, had been suspended due to safety concerns. This decision followed Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar unexpectedly rescinding overflight permits. In a social media post, Lai expressed his regret over the suspension, attributing the decision to advice from his national security team.

"The Republic of China, Taiwan, is a sovereign and independent country. The Taiwanese people have the right to engage with the world and cooperate with like-minded partners," Lai wrote, emphasizing that despite disruptions, Taiwan's commitment to Eswatini remains steadfast.

Lai further mentioned that Taiwan continues to cherish its friendship with Eswatini and plans to send special envoys to attend the event celebrating the 40th anniversary of the absolute monarch's accession to the throne and the Swazi king's 58th birthday. Earlier on Tuesday, at a news conference, Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Men-an criticized Beijing's coercive actions involving the three African states that led to the trip's suspension.

Pan did not confirm if Lai's visit will be rescheduled but noted that the reversal by the three African states was influenced by pressure, including economic coercion from Beijing. He highlighted that China's actions have not only compromised flight safety but also violated international regulations and norms, describing such tactics as "unprecedented."

Deputy Foreign Minister Fran§ois Wu commented on the broader context of China's influence in Africa, pointing out that many African states are affected by debt-trap diplomacy under China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative. Wu assured that Taiwan would continue to enhance tangible bilateral cooperation with Eswatini in areas such as health care, technological support, and investment, emphasizing that it is in Eswatini's national interest "to stand with Taiwan."