Date: May 2, 2026 l Reported by: Andrew Baba
TAIPEI: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said he had arrived in Eswatini in southern Africa on Saturday, having blamed China for the forced cancelation of a prior trip.
Lai made the comment in a Facebook post having not previously announced he was making another attempt to go after the government in April accused China of pressuring three African states to block overflight permission for the president.
Sanibonani! I arrived in #Eswatini today to affirm our longstanding friendship. #Taiwan will never be deterred by external pressures. Our resolve & commitment are underpinned by the understanding that Taiwan will continue to engage with the world—no matter the challenges faced. pic.twitter.com/lausrzMcey
— 賴清德Lai Ching-te (@ChingteLai) May 2, 2026
“Although we are a few days late, the people of Eswatini have still given us the warmest and most enthusiastic welcome,” Lai said in his post.
Taiwan said last month the Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar unilaterally revoked flight permits for its presidential aircraft to cross airspace they manage on a planned trip to Eswatini, one of Taiwan’s 12 diplomatic allies.
“Eswatini has stood firm against various diplomatic and economic pressures, speaking out for Taiwan’s international place through concrete actions,” Lai added.