Beijing said it had "high appreciation" for the African countries that blocked the permits for Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te's trip planned for this week. WASHINGTON: The United States slammed China's "intimidation campaign" on Wednesday (Apr 22) after several African countries were reportedly pressured by Beijing to derail an official trip by Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te by revoking overflight permits. Taiwan announced on Tuesday that Lai was postponing his trip to Eswatini - the island's