Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te led a delegation and arrived in Eswatini on May 2 to begin a state visit. The move drew strong criticism from mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, which reiterated its adherence to the “One China principle.”
According to the Taipei Times, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council responded that the President of the Republic of China does not need permission from the People’s Republic of China to visit any destination.
The BBC reported that President Lai’s state visit, originally scheduled to depart on April 22, was postponed after countries including Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar temporarily revoked overflight permissions. Observers widely believe the move was related to pressure from the Chinese Communist Party on third countries.
It prompted criticism from international political figures, including the U.S. Congress and the European Union, who viewed it as using economic and political means to interfere with normal diplomatic exchanges.
Eswatini’s king provides special aircraft
However, the situation later turned. Eswatini dispatched a special envoy to Taiwan for coordination, and the king provided a special aircraft to assist. President Lai ultimately arrived in Eswatini on May 2 to begin the visit, according to Agence France-Presse.
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President Lai said in a message on X that Taiwan “will never back down in the face of external pressure.”
According to Reuters, a national security official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, noted that this visit followed the commonly used international high-level diplomatic approach of “arrive, then announce,” aiming to minimize uncertainties and risks from potential external interference.
Security arrangements were supported by multiple like-minded partners, including Eswatini, though specific details were not disclosed due to mutual understanding and necessary security considerations.
The official emphasized three main reasons for resuming the trip: first, that engaging with the world is an inherent right that cannot be denied to the people of Taiwan; second, the warm invitation from Eswatini’s king and government; and third, Taiwan’s responsibility to work with all democratic allies to uphold international norms and order.
Emphasizing diplomatic ties: Taiwan–Eswatini relations ‘like family’
Against the backdrop of the visit, relations between Taiwan and Eswatini were highlighted once again. Eswatini’s special envoy clearly stated that the two countries’ relationship is like that of “family” and will not be shaken by external interference, Focus Taiwan reported.
President Lai Ching-te also stressed that Taiwan will not yield to pressure, and that bilateral ties will continue to deepen.
This visit also carries symbolic significance, coinciding with the 58th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries and the 40th anniversary of the coronation of Mswati III. Taiwan hopes that through high-level engagement, it can strengthen its diplomatic relationship with Eswatini, its only diplomatic ally in Africa.
Main themes of the visit: security, economy, and digital cooperation
According to plans by the Office of the President, the visit is centered on the theme “Celebrating Taiwan–Eswatini friendship, prospering together,” with three major areas of cooperation:
- Security cooperation: Promoting initiatives such as strategic oil reserves
- Economic cooperation: Establishing industrial parks and helping Taiwanese businesses expand into Africa
- Digital cooperation: Introducing smart healthcare and telemedicine
This reflects Taiwan’s intention to extend its diplomatic ties beyond politics into industrial and technological collaboration.
Rising diplomatic tensions
The incident also highlights the pressure Taiwan faces in the international arena.
The obstruction of the presidential aircraft has been interpreted as an example of expanding diplomatic pressure from Beijing, while public support from U.S. and European political figures reflects continued attention to Taiwan among democratic nations.
At the same time, Taiwan’s government emphasized it will continue strengthening cooperation with like-minded countries and enhancing its overall diplomatic and industrial resilience to address geopolitical challenges.
International attention on the Taiwan Strait and Taiwan’s status
President Lai asserted Taiwan’s strengths and said Taipei will keep engaging with the rest of the world as a sovereign.
“In the face of challenges, we overcome everything with determination and effort. When confronted with unfair suppression, we respond with justice and reason. We who cherish freedom and peace do not seek confrontation, but we will never give up engaging with the world,” Lai wrote on Facebook.
Taiwan did not publicly release the detailed itinerary before President Lai’s arrival in Eswatini.
Media outlets including Nikkei Asia, The Washington Post, The Straits Times, France 24, and Al Arabiya have carried reports from international news agencies covering the unprecedented nature of the visit.
Overall, Lai Ching-te’s trip followed a trajectory of “obstruction — coordination — departure,” highlighting both Taiwan’s diplomatic challenges and its close interaction with its allies.
Amid ongoing tensions in the international landscape and across the Taiwan Strait, the visit is seen as an important step for Taiwan to consolidate its diplomatic ties and respond to external pressure.
By Li Ming, Vision Times
