Syria has experienced a significant increase in overflight fees, earning an estimated $5.9 million in May alone. This surge is attributed to the Iran conflict disrupting air traffic, leading airlines to reroute flights through Syrian airspace, despite ongoing safety concerns and advisories.
Vietnam and the Philippines have elevated their relationship to an enhanced strategic partnership, agreeing to closer coordination on regional and global issues. The move includes a renewed defense cooperation agreement aimed at bolstering maritime security.
Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te has cancelled a planned visit to eSwatini, the island's last remaining African diplomatic ally. The visit was intended to celebrate King Mswati III's 40th anniversary of accession to the throne and his 58th birthday. eSwatini is one of only 12 nations that still recognize Taiwan, a group that includes small Caribbean and Pacific island states, many of which maintain ties partly due to pressure from Washington.
The US State Department expressed concern that Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked flight permits for Taiwan leader William Lai Ching-te's aircraft at China's behest, forcing cancellation of his trip to eSwatini. This marks the first time a Taiwanese leader had to cancel an entire foreign trip due to airspace denial, which the US called an abuse of the international civil aviation system and part of China's intimidation campaign against Taiwan.
The United States is concerned that several African countries revoked overflight clearances for Taiwan’s leader at China’s behest, the US State Department said on Wednesday, calling the incident an abuse of the international civil aviation system. Taiwan this week said the Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar unilaterally revoked flight permits for leader William Lai Ching-te’s aircraft to cross airspace they manage on a planned trip to eSwatini, one of Taiwan’s allies. It is the first instance...
Taiwan Vice President Lai Ching-te's planned visit to Africa has been postponed after Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar cancelled previously approved overflight permissions without notice. Taipei accused Beijing of pressuring the three African nations to withdraw clearance, citing safety concerns forced the trip delay. China's State Council Taiwan Affairs Office thanked the African countries for adhering to the one-China principle while denying economic coercion was used.
Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te was forced to postpone a visit to the island’s last African partner after three other nations abruptly refused to allow his aircraft to fly over their territory, in a move Taipei blamed on pressure from Beijing. This is the first time any Taiwanese leader has had to delay an overseas visit at the last minute, Lai’s office said. He had been due to depart on Wednesday for a five-day trip to eSwatini, the sole African country that maintains official diplomatic...
