Senator warns Chinese pressure on airspace could endanger global travelers

At a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Senator Tammy Duckworth raised concerns that China is pressuring nations to bar Taiwanese presidential flights, citing recent denials by Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles of airspace for President Lai Ching-te’s plane. She argued the moves, allegedly directed by Beijing, breach International Civil Aviation Organization standards and could jeopardize the safety of all international travelers.

Nominee Marc Dillard, a deputy chief of mission in South Africa, described the impact on Lai’s trip as limited but acknowledged it reflected broader intimidation. Duckworth disputed that characterization, noting the president had to alter his route and that the issue extends beyond a single flight to the integrity of global aviation agreements. She warned that if such restrictions succeed, they could expand to civilian aircraft or critical supply routes. Duckworth’s office said the incident underscores the need for U.S. support for Taiwan against Chinese coercion.