Mbabane [Eswatini], May 3 (ANI): Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has arrived in Eswatini, marking a high-profile visit to Taiwan’s only diplomatic partner on the African continent, the Central News Agency (CNA) reported.
Lai reached Eswatini on Saturday despite reported efforts by China to block the trip. The visit follows an earlier, planned journey that was called off after several African countries revoked overflight clearances, reportedly under “intense pressure” from Beijing, disrupting an itinerary set for late April.
According to CNA, Lai said the original plan had been “suspended due to unexpected external forces” and that his eventual arrival was possible only “after days of secret arrangements by the diplomatic and national security teams.”
In social media remarks, President Lai expressed hope the trip would deepen ties between Taiwan and Eswatini through closer economic, agricultural, cultural and educational cooperation, and advance Taiwan’s international engagement.
Addressing Eswatini’s royal family and dignitaries, Lai defended Taiwan’s international role, saying the “23 million Taiwanese people have the right to embrace the world and engage with the world” and that no country should block Taiwan from contributing internationally.
Beijing reacted angrily. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office accused Lai of “skulking” into the kingdom and likened his arrival to “despicable conduct, like a rat scurrying across the street,” CNA reported. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council rejected the comments, calling them “fishwife’s gutter talk” and saying Beijing has no right to dictate such travel.
China’s foreign ministry called the trip a “stowaway-style escape farce,” reiterated its position that Taiwan is part of China, and warned Eswatini against backing “Taiwan independence” forces.
Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, is one of about 12 countries that maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Lai had planned to visit in April for the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession, but the Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar reportedly revoked overflight rights “unexpectedly and without notice.” (ANI)
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