China hails countries for blocking Taiwan president's flight

Key Points:

• China expressed "high appreciation" for Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar after they denied overflight rights to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's plane, forcing him to cancel his trip to Eswatini, Taiwan's only African ally.
• Beijing denied applying economic pressure but praised the countries for supporting the "one-China principle," asserting that China's reunification with Taiwan is inevitable.
• Taiwan condemned the flight denials as acts of "servitude to China," emphasizing its sovereign right to international engagement, while Eswatini regretted the canceled visit but reaffirmed its diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
• Taiwan's opposition party Kuomintang urged China to show restraint and allow Taiwan diplomatic space following a recent meeting between its leader and Xi Jinping, criticizing Beijing's pressure tactics.
• U.S. lawmakers condemned China's actions as economic coercion aimed at isolating a democratic partner, highlighting international concern over the incident.