Speaking to Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo ​in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged support for the continent and its development needs, according to a state media read-out that did not mention Lai’s cancelled visit to Eswatini.

Lai, in a post on his Facebook page, said China’s “suppressive actions” demonstrate the threat that authoritarian states pose to the international order, ​peace, and stability.

Couldn’t he just fly commercial?

I do think it’s curious to hear the Taiwanese President insist their airplanes have an unmitigated right to fly over African airspace, given how many times I’ve heard Taiwanese-aligned press scream bloody murder over China violating Taiwanese airspace.

Even funnier to post this on Facebook, a website that’s made a mint squelching dissent on behalf of its political sponsors.

Maybe do what every other country does when they want an African national leader (or Tech Company CEO) to bend their way. Bribe them.

Or bomb them, if you’re in the US/Israel bloc.