US Senator Tammy Duckworth has raised concerns about China’s actions to pressure countries into restricting Taiwan’s international travel, warning that this could threaten global aviation and trade. During a US Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, she highlighted incidents where Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles revoked permission for Taiwanese President William Lai’s aircraft to use their airspace, hindering his travels and allegedly doing so at China’s request.
Duckworth described these actions as inconsistent with international aviation norms, emphasizing that such restrictions could affect not just official flights but also commercial aircraft and vital supplies. Marc Dillard, the nominee for US ambassador to Madagascar, acknowledged the intimidation tactics used by Beijing but characterized the impact on Lai’s flight as limited. Duckworth contested this view, asserting that the episode revealed broader implications for international movement and trade, and reiterated the importance of US support for Taiwan against increasing Chinese pressure.
