Taiwan President Lai Ching-te unexpectedly visited diplomatic ally Eswatini on Saturday, announcing the trip on social media after his original journey was disrupted earlier amid Chinese pressure.
His planned visit to the African ally from April 22 to 27 was postponed after Chinese interference prompted Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar to suddenly withdraw overflight permissions for the presidential aircraft, according to the Presidential Office on April 21.
On Saturday, Lai confirmed his arrival following what he said was careful coordination by Taiwan’s diplomatic and national security teams.
“Although a few days late, we were still met with the warmest and most heartfelt welcome from the people of Eswatini,” he said, adding that he hopes to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen Taiwan’s international partnerships.
Lai stressed that Taiwan’s right to engage with the world and cooperate with like-minded partners is “inalienable,” and said Taiwan would continue to face pressure with determination, uphold fairness, and respond with reason.
Eswatini is one of Taiwan’s 12 remaining formal diplomatic allies. Taiwan has governed itself since 1949 and operates as a vibrant democracy, while China claims the island as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification.