China on Thursday rejected US accusations that it pressured African states over Taiwan leader William Lai’s overflight access.
The response came after Washington alleged Beijing influenced countries to block transit for Taiwan’s President-elect William Lai Ching-te.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said there is only one China, describing Taiwan as an inalienable part of Chinese territory.
He added that the one-China principle represents a basic norm governing international relations and shapes China’s diplomatic conduct globally.
Guo called the US allegations a mischaracterisation of facts, insisting China firmly rejects and will never accept such claims.
He urged the United States to respect the one-China principle and fully uphold the three China–US joint communiques.
Beijing also accused Washington of interfering in China’s internal affairs through its continued engagement with Taiwan-related travel issues.
China praised three African countries for denying overflight clearance to Lai’s aircraft during his planned trip to Eswatini.
Lai suspended his scheduled visit to Eswatini after several transit states withdrew permission for his aircraft to pass through.
Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar reportedly revoked clearance unexpectedly, according to Lai’s office spokesperson Pan Men-an.
Guo said 53 African countries, excluding Eswatini, maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing and support the one-China principle.
He added that Taiwan’s diplomatic allies have fallen to 12 from nearly 18 over the past decade, reflecting shifting recognition worldwide.