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RightsCon Summit Canceled Due to Reported Chinese Pressure on Zambia

RightsCon Summit Canceled Due to Reported Chinese Pressure on Zambia

The international human rights conference, RightsCon, organized by the New York-based advocacy group Access Now, was canceled after the Zambian government reportedly faced pressure from China. The conference, which was to be held in Zambia, was called off because China allegedly objected to the participation of Taiwanese activists. Access Now stated that the Zambian government wanted to exclude Taiwanese participants and moderate specific topics, aligning with China's interests. The conference was expected to host over 2,600 participants in person and 1,100 online, representing more than 150 countries. The event focuses on human rights and technology, addressing issues like internet censorship and cyberwarfare.

US calls Taiwan 'trusted and capable partner', praises its ties with Eswatini

US calls Taiwan 'trusted and capable partner', praises its ties with Eswatini

TAIPEI, May 4 (Reuters) - Taiwan is a "trusted and capable" partner of the United States and Taipei's global relationships, including with Eswatini, provide significant benefits, the U.S. State Department said of President Lai Ching-te's trip to the southern African kingdom.

China Criticizes Taiwan's President for Surprise Visit to Eswatini Amid Diplomatic Tensions

China Criticizes Taiwan's President for Surprise Visit to Eswatini Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te made an unannounced visit to Eswatini, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from China. The visit was part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of King Mswati III's accession. Taiwan, which China views as part of its territory, maintains formal diplomatic relations with only 12 countries, including Eswatini. China has been vocal in its opposition to any international engagement with Taiwan, and reportedly pressured three Indian Ocean countries to deny overflight permissions for Lai's aircraft. Despite these challenges, Lai emphasized Taiwan's sovereignty and its right to engage with the global community. The visit was conducted under a strategy often used in international diplomacy to avoid interference, where the trip is announced only after arrival.

Taiwan's President Lai Visits Eswatini Amid Chinese Diplomatic Pressure

Taiwan's President Lai Visits Eswatini Amid Chinese Diplomatic Pressure

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has successfully arrived in Eswatini, marking a significant diplomatic visit despite facing challenges from Chinese pressure. Originally scheduled for April 22, the trip was delayed after Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked overflight permissions, reportedly due to economic coercion from China. Eswatini remains Taiwan's only diplomatic ally in Africa, and the visit aims to strengthen ties in economic, agricultural, cultural, and educational sectors. Lai emphasized Taiwan's resilience against external pressures and reaffirmed the nation's commitment to global engagement. The visit was kept confidential until Lai's safe arrival, a strategy used to navigate diplomatic tensions.

Taiwan President Visits Eswatini Amid China's Diplomatic Pressure

Taiwan President Visits Eswatini Amid China's Diplomatic Pressure

Taiwan President William Lai Ching-te visited Eswatini, defying China's attempts to block the trip. The visit included a meeting with King Mswati III and the signing of trade agreements. The trip was initially scheduled for late April but faced cancellations from Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar due to pressure from Beijing. Taiwan's presidential office described these cancellations as unprecedented, attributing them to economic coercion by China. Taiwan operates as a self-governing democracy, but China claims it as part of its territory and demands that countries cease official engagements with Taiwan's government. Despite these challenges, Lai emphasized Taiwan's commitment to global engagement.

World shares are mixed, with sharp gains for tech stocks, while oil prices bounce back

World shares are mixed, with sharp gains for tech stocks, while oil prices bounce back

Shares are mixed in Europe and Asia, with big gains for computer chipmakers and other tech stocks

Rights summit in Zambia is canceled after Chinese pressure to exclude Taiwanese activists

Rights summit in Zambia is canceled after Chinese pressure to exclude Taiwanese activists

The U.S.-based organizers of an international human rights conference say they have canceled next week's summit in the African nation of Zambia after pressure from China to exclude activists from Taiwan

Taiwan's President Visits Eswatini Amidst Diplomatic Tensions with China

Taiwan's President Visits Eswatini Amidst Diplomatic Tensions with China

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has arrived in Eswatini, marking a significant diplomatic visit to Taiwan's only ally in Africa. The trip, initially scheduled for April 22, was delayed due to several countries revoking overflight permissions, reportedly under pressure from China. Despite these challenges, Lai emphasized Taiwan's commitment to maintaining international relations and deepening ties with Eswatini in areas such as economics, agriculture, culture, and education. The visit underscores Taiwan's resolve to engage globally despite external pressures, particularly from China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to assert control.

Taiwan's President Visits Eswatini Amid Diplomatic Tensions with China

Taiwan's President Visits Eswatini Amid Diplomatic Tensions with China

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has arrived in Eswatini, marking a significant diplomatic visit to Taiwan's only ally in Africa. The trip, initially scheduled for April 22, was delayed due to several countries revoking overflight permissions, reportedly under pressure from China. Despite these challenges, Lai emphasized Taiwan's commitment to maintaining international relations and strengthening ties with Eswatini. The visit aims to enhance economic, agricultural, cultural, and educational cooperation between the two nations. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the visit, reiterating its stance that Taiwan is part of China and urging Eswatini to reconsider its diplomatic position.