Mbabane, Eswatini — Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te arrived in Eswatini on May 3, undertaking a high-profile visit to Taiwan’s sole diplomatic partner in Africa, the Central News Agency (CNA) reported. The trip went ahead despite reported efforts by Beijing to obstruct the journey.
An earlier itinerary for late April was abandoned after several African countries unexpectedly revoked overflight clearances, a move that Taipei said was made under intense pressure from China. Lai told reporters the original plan had been suspended by “unexpected external forces” and that his eventual arrival was only possible after days of confidential arrangements by diplomatic and national security teams.
In comments posted on social media, Lai said he hopes the visit will strengthen Taiwan–Eswatini ties through deeper economic, agricultural, cultural and educational cooperation, and help broaden Taiwan’s international engagement. Speaking to members of Eswatini’s royal family and other dignitaries, he defended Taiwan’s role abroad, saying the island’s 23 million people have the right to participate fully in global affairs and that no country should prevent Taiwan from contributing internationally.
Beijing responded angrily to the visit. Taiwan Affairs Office statements carried in CNA accused Lai of sneaking into the kingdom and used highly critical language to describe the trip. China’s foreign ministry called the visit a “stowaway-style escape farce,” reiterated Beijing’s stance that Taiwan is part of China, and warned Eswatini against supporting forces it labels as advocating Taiwanese independence.
Taipei’s Mainland Affairs Council rejected Beijing’s rhetoric, calling the comments crude and asserting that China has no right to dictate the movements of Taiwan’s leaders.
Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, is among roughly a dozen countries that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Lai had originally planned to visit in April to mark the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession, but the route was disrupted when the Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar reportedly revoked overflight permissions without prior notice, forcing the postponement.
The visit highlights ongoing tensions across the Taiwan Strait as Taipei seeks to maintain and expand international ties while Beijing presses countries to sever official contact with Taiwan.
