Taiwan President Visits Eswatini Despite Chinese Pressure

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has arrived in Eswatini, one of Taiwan’s few remaining diplomatic partners and its only ally in Africa.

The visit comes shortly after Lai was forced to postpone an earlier trip when several Indian Ocean states denied overflight clearance, a move Taipei attributed to pressure from China.

Lai stressed that Taiwan would not be deterred and would continue international cooperation despite the obstacles. The visit is also intended to signal that Taiwan remains committed to maintaining ties with its remaining allies.

Beijing criticized the trip and reiterated its claim that Taiwan is part of China. The episode again highlights growing tensions between China and Taiwan, as well as Beijing’s efforts to limit the island’s diplomatic space.

(AFP, reuters, tasr, mja)