Stories from Victoria · Seychelles

Russian tourist arrivals to the Seychelles increased by 11 percent in the last quarter compared to the same period last year. The Association of Tour Operators of Russia reported that the influx included nearly 15,000 people. The growth was reportedly tempered by a negative impact in March due to the crisis in the Middle East. The Seychelles Minister of Tourism and Culture noted that air carriers from the Russian side were involved in the transport.

Pan Meng-an, Secretary-General of the Office of Lai Ching-te, announced the cancellation of flight permissions for Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te's planned transit through Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar. The political impact of the flight cancellations is being assessed as the international community increasingly supports the One China principle. The decision follows his attempts to visit African nations. Kuomintang Chairperson Cheng Li-wen stated on April 22 that the Lai administration should conduct a self-examination regarding these diplomatic setbacks. The move is viewed by some observers as a reinforcement of the One China principle in international relations. The refusal is viewed by some as a consequence of the administration's pursuit of diplomatic recognition. Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te postponed a planned visit to Seychelles originally scheduled for April 22 to 26.

Seychelles, Madagascar, and Mauritius have rescinded overflight permissions for Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's aircraft. KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-wen stated during an April 22 meeting that the DPP administration's diplomatic failures are self-inflicted and that the administration should focus on internal reflection rather than blaming China. A planned visit by a Taiwanese official to Africa has been blocked. The exact reasons for the blockage and the specific African nation involved were not immediately clear, but it is seen as a diplomatic setback. The Central Taiwan Affairs Council recently authorized ten policy measures to promote cross-strait exchange and cooperation, which have been welcomed by various industries in Taiwan.