Taiwan President Lai Ching-te and King Mswati III reaffirmed diplomatic relations during Lai’s state visit to Eswatini, Taiwan’s only remaining African ally.
The trip was originally scheduled for late April, but Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar cancelled flight permits for his charter plane without notice. Taiwan’s presidential office alleged the move came under pressure from Beijing.
“I hope this trip will contribute to even deeper friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini, thanks to closer economic, agricultural, cultural and educational links, as well as promote Taiwan’s international cooperation,” Lai said.
“The 23 million Taiwanese people have the right to embrace the world and engage with the world,” he added. “And no country has the right and no country should ever block Taiwan from contributing more to the world.”
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson called the trip a “laughable stunt” and said Lai used a “foreign plane to “smuggle” himself out of the island”, insisting that Taiwan is a part of China.
Key developments include:
- Taiwan and Eswatini marked 58 years of diplomatic relations.
- Officials signed a customs cooperation agreement.
- Both sides pledged closer trade, economic, educational, and cultural cooperation.
- Taiwan announced expanded medical collaboration focused on digital health and AI systems.
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