Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te arrived in Eswatini on Saturday, marking a pivotal moment for Taiwan's diplomatic ties in Africa. His visit follows a cancelled trip initially scheduled for April due to pressure from China.
Several African nations, including Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar, revoked overflight permissions for Lai's flight, prompting the Taiwan leader to postpone his visit.
In a social media post, Lai described the initial visit as having been "suspended due to unexpected external forces." He emphasized the importance of this trip in strengthening ties with Eswatini.
Lai expressed hope that his visit would enhance economic, agricultural, cultural, and educational links between Taiwan and Eswatini, furthering Taiwan's international cooperation.
Speaking before the Eswatini royal family and dignitaries, Lai asserted, "The 23 million Taiwanese people have the right to embrace the world and engage with the world." He criticized any efforts to block Taiwan's global contributions.
In response, China's foreign ministry criticized Lai's visit, calling it a "stowaway-style escape farce" and reaffirming its stance that Taiwan is part of China.
Eswatini remains one of the few countries that recognize Taiwan amid China's efforts to isolate the self-ruled island diplomatically.
Lai's visit to Eswatini was originally intended to coincide with the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III's reign, but had to be rescheduled due to the revoked overflight permissions.