Xi Weaponizes Foreign Airspace in Campaign to Isolate Taiwan

President Xi Jinping has for years worked to isolate Taiwan’s leaders by blocking their diplomatic meetings and participation in global organizations. Now, he’s also looking to keep them out of the skies.

The Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar’s 11th-hour decision on Tuesday to revoke overflight permits for Taiwan’s leader appeared coordinated to deliver maximum impact — and came at China’s behest, according to Taiwan officials. President Lai Ching-te was forced to cancel his rare state visit to Eswatini the next day, with too little time left to organize new permits.