Taiwan’s president has postponed a planned visit to Africa after three countries withdrew permission for his aircraft to use their airspace following reported pressure from China, his office said Tuesday.

President Lai Ching-te was scheduled to travel to Eswatini, Taiwan’s only remaining diplomatic ally in Africa, from April 22 to 26. However, authorities in Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar cancelled the overflight permits along his route at short notice.

A presidential spokesperson in Taipei said the decision came after “strong pressure” from Beijing, including alleged economic coercion.

He accused China of interfering in other countries’ internal affairs and undermining regional stability.

China, which considers Taiwan its territory, responded by welcoming the move, saying it supports the “one-China principle” and is consistent with international law.

Beijing regularly urges countries with which it has diplomatic ties to avoid official relations with Taipei. In recent years, it has stepped up efforts to reduce Taiwan’s remaining allies through aid and investment offers.

Taiwan now has formal diplomatic relations with only 12 countries, mostly small nations in Latin America, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

Eswatini, however, said it regretted that President Lai could not make the visit but stressed that its ties with Taiwan remain unchanged.

The governments of Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar did not immediately comment on the issue.

China’s diplomatic push has already led several countries, including Honduras, Nicaragua and Nauru, to switch recognition from Taiwan to Beijing in recent years.

The last Taiwanese presidential visit to Eswatini took place in 2023.