US EditionAsia View: Taiwan’s President Reaches Eswatini After China-Linked Travel Hurdles
Lai’s trip includes security, economic and digital talks as Taiwan signs a customs agreement with Eswatini, one of its few remaining allies.
- President Lai Ching-te arrived in Eswatini on Saturday for a state visit to strengthen ties with one of Taiwan's few remaining diplomatic allies.
- Alleged Chinese pressure on Madagascar, Seychelles, and Mauritius reportedly blocked Lai's flight path last month, prompting the surprise visit.
- The United States State Department described Taiwan as a "trusted and capable" partner on Sunday, noting democratically elected presidents routinely visit diplomatic allies.
- Lai and Mswati III attended a military ceremony at the Mandvulo International Conference Hall, signing a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement affirming cooperation.
- Eswatini remains Taiwan's only African ally as Beijing continues pressuring nations to switch recognition, despite former President Tsai Ing-wen's visits in 2023 and 2018.
29 Articles
29 Articles
Why the Taiwanese President’s ‘Arrive Then Announce’ Diplomacy Has Infuriated China
Taiwan's President William Lai Ching-te, second from left, reviews a honor guard with Eswatini King Mswati III in a military welcome ceremony at the Mandvulo International Conference Hall in Eswatini on May 3, 2026. —Taiwan Presidential Office/APTaiwanese President Lai Ching-te arrived in Eswatini on Saturday for a diplomatic visit neither government had announced beforehand after having been blocked from making the trip last month, sparking ang…
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te departed Eswatini, Africa, on Monday (May 4), according to reports. Lai had unexpectedly arrived in the landlocked southern African nation on Saturday for a state visit. The visit was not announced in advance. Last month, Taiwan was forced to cancel Lai's trip to Eswatini due to pressure from China. The U.S. State Department, commenting on Taipei's diplomatic breakthrough, praised Taiwan as a "trusted and capable…
kreiszeitung.de
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te travels surprisingly to Eswatini. The visit follows a cancelled trip, during which several states had withdrawn overflight rights. Taipei sees pressure from China.
Asia View: Taiwan’s President reaches Eswatini after China-linked travel hurdles
In our Asia View segment, FRANCE 24 correspondent Yena Lee takes a look at the latest stories behind the headlines from China and beyond. This week, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te arrived in the African nation of Eswatini, days after his government was forced to postpone the trip when several countries reportedly withdrew permission for him to fly over their territories under pressure from China.
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