By Taiwanese Association of the Philippines
The Taiwanese Association of the Philippines strongly condemns the People’s Republic of China for turning international airspace into an instrument of political coercion against Taiwan.
Recent reports indicate that, under pressure from Beijing, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked overflight clearances for the aircraft of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, forcing the cancellation of his planned April 22 visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini. This is not diplomacy. It is coercion in its clearest form.
For Filipinos, this should raise serious concern.
The Philippines knows all too well what coercive behavior looks like. In the West Philippine Sea, Filipino fishermen, sailors, and coast guard personnel have repeatedly faced harassment, intimidation, and obstruction. These acts threaten livelihoods, undermine sovereignty, and disregard international law.
What is happening now follows the same pattern—only in a different arena.
If international airspace can be manipulated today to isolate Taiwan, what is to stop similar pressure tomorrow from disrupting the Philippines’ own freedom of movement, trade routes, or diplomatic engagements?
This is no longer solely a Taiwan issue. It is a regional and global concern.
The skies, like the seas, are part of the global commons. They must remain governed by neutrality, safety, and internationally accepted rules. Once political intimidation determines who may fly and who may not, the foundations of the rules-based international order begin to erode.
Taiwan is a vibrant democracy and a reliable partner to the Philippines. Home to 23 million people, Taiwan elects its leaders freely and contributes significantly to regional trade, technology, investment, and people-to-people ties. It has every right to engage the international community without interference from any external power.
The Philippines understands the value of sovereignty, independence, and freedom. These are not abstract ideals—they are principles tested whenever smaller nations face external pressure.
That is why the international community, especially like-minded democracies, must take a firm and principled stand:
- Reject the weaponization of international airspace and all forms of diplomatic coercion.
- Uphold international law and ensure that global commons—whether seas or skies—remain free, open, and rules-based.
- Support Taiwan’s right to meaningful international engagement without intimidation.
Peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific depend on collective resolve. When coercion is tolerated, it expands. When it is confronted, it is contained.
Today the target is Taiwan. Tomorrow, it could be any nation—including the Philippines.
The question before the region is simple: Will we defend a rules-based order, or allow it to be rewritten through pressure and intimidation?
The answer will shape the future of the Indo-Pacific for generations to come.