A US lawmaker has called for action over the Seychelles flight permit decision involving Taiwan’s president, according to Taiwan News.
Taiwan News reported that Representative Tom Tiffany said Seychelles revoked overflight permits for President Lai Ching-te. The flight was planned ahead of a visit to Eswatini. He also referred to similar actions by Mauritius and Madagascar.
According to Taiwan News, Secretary-General to the President Pan Men-an said Seychelles and the other countries took the decision after pressure from China. He described this pressure as economic coercion. These claims have not been independently verified.
In a letter dated April 23, seen by Taiwan News, Mr Tiffany wrote to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin. He stated that the countries “arbitrarily revoked overflight clearances for Taiwan’s president in advance of his planned state visit”.
He said the move “sets a dangerous precedent” and added that he hopes US officials will “take appropriate steps to hold their governments accountable”.
Mr Tiffany also described the decision as a breach of international civil aviation norms. He referred to the countries as “three of Communist China’s client states in Africa” and said the action was reportedly taken at “Beijing’s behest”.
Furthermore, the letter outlined proposed measures that include Seychelles. Mr Tiffany asked US authorities to “suspend any consideration of or discussions with authorities in the Seychelles” regarding its possible inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program.
He also proposed separate measures targeting Madagascar and Mauritius. These include freezing more than US$100 million in US foreign assistance to Madagascar and adding Mauritius to a travel ban list under Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
There has been no public response from the government of Seychelles, and no independent confirmation of the overflight decision.