The visit of Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te to the African country was delayed after several countries reportedly withdrew permission for him to fly over their territories due to pressure from China.
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te arrived in the African nation of Eswatini on Saturday, announcing the trip on social media.
In a post on X, he said that he had arrived in Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Africa to “affirm our longstanding friendship.” “Taiwan will never be deterred by external pressures,” Lai added.
Taiwan’s president visits Eswatini despite China’s objection
The visit of Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te to the African country was delayed after several countries reportedly withdrew permission for him to fly over their territories due to pressure from China.
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te arrived in the African nation of Eswatini on Saturday, announcing the trip on social media.
In a post on X, he said that he had arrived in Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Africa to “affirm our longstanding friendship.” “Taiwan will never be deterred by external pressures,” Lai added.
Lai was to visit Eswatini from April 22-26, but the Taiwanese government was forced to postpone the trip after Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar withdrew permission for the president to fly over their territories, which Taipei said was due to pressure from China.
Beijing denied it had applied economic pressure to block Lai’s trip, but at the same time said it had “high appreciation” for the three countries’ actions.
In a separate Facebook post on Saturday, Lai wrote that the visit had been made possible thanks to the careful planning of his diplomatic and national security teams.
He added that the trip would strengthen the friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini further by fostering closer economic, agricultural, cultural and educational ties.
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