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US Senator Warns China's Pressure on Taiwan Threatens Global Travel and Trade
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News18•04-10-2026, 14:30
US Senator Warns China's Pressure on Taiwan Threatens Global Travel and Trade
- •US Senator Tammy Duckworth warned that China's pressure on countries to restrict Taiwan's international travel sets a dangerous precedent for global aviation, trade, and movement.
- •Duckworth highlighted an incident where Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles withdrew airspace permission for Taiwanese President William Lai's aircraft, delaying his journey to Eswatini, allegedly at China's behest.
- •The Senator argued that such restrictions violate international aviation rules and could eventually impact civilian flights and critical supply chains, not just presidential aircraft.
- •Marc Dillard, nominee for US ambassador to Madagascar and Comoros, acknowledged Beijing's intimidation tactics but initially characterized the impact on Lai's flight as limited.
- •Duckworth emphasized that the issue extends beyond a single presidential journey, warning that similar pressure could eventually affect territorial waters and international trade, necessitating continued US support for Taiwan.
Key Questions Answered
Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles withdrew permission for Taiwanese President William Lai’s aircraft to use airspace under their control, delaying his journey to Eswatini.
US Senator Tammy Duckworth warned that China's efforts to restrict Taiwan's international travel could set a dangerous precedent for global aviation, trade, and movement, potentially endangering civilians and critical supplies.
Marc Dillard acknowledged that the episode reflected Beijing's broader intimidation tactics and undermined Madagascar's sovereign foreign-policy decisions, adding that he would engage Madagascar's government on the risks of deepening ties with China if confirmed.
