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 ties with Taiwan, to attend celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession and his 58th birthday.

But his office announced late on Tuesday that the visit would be “postponed” after the Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar cancelled their previously approved overflight permission without warning.

Pan Men-an, secretary general of Lai’s office, said security personnel had reassessed the route after the sudden changes and concluded that the trip should be delayed.

Lai will instead appoint a special envoy to attend the celebrations, Pan said.