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Taiwan's president lands in Eswatini in a trip delayed by lack of overflight clearance

Taiwan's president lands in Eswatini in a trip delayed by lack of overflight clearance

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te says he has arrived in Eswatini, Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Africa, despite flight challenges reportedly due to Chinese pressure

Taiwan president defiant as begins Eswatini trip; China calls him a 'rat'

Taiwan president defiant as begins Eswatini trip; China calls him a 'rat'

TAIPEI, May 3 (Reuters) - Taiwan has a right to engage with the world and no country can stop that, President Lai Ching-te told Eswatini's king after he arrived for a surprise trip that Taipei says Beijing tried to stop, as China condemned him as a "rat".

Taiwan president arrives in Eswatini after blaming China for cancellation of prior trip

Taiwan president arrives in Eswatini after blaming China for cancellation of prior trip

By Ben Blanchard TAIPEI, May 2 (Reuters) - Taiwan President Lai Ching-te reached Eswatini on Saturday, two weeks after he was forced to postpone a trip to a diplomatic ally because Indian Ocean states had blocked his flight, which Taiwan's government blamed on Beijing's pressure.

Taiwan's William Lai Visits Eswatini Amidst Chinese Criticism

Taiwan's William Lai Visits Eswatini Amidst Chinese Criticism

Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te has made a surprise visit to Eswatini, Taiwan's sole African ally, after an earlier trip was canceled due to overflight permissions being withdrawn, reportedly under Chinese pressure. Lai's visit aims to deepen cooperation in areas such as the economy, agriculture, culture, and education, and to strengthen bilateral ties. The visit comes amid heightened tensions with China, which has labeled the trip a 'political stunt.' Despite the diplomatic and economic pressure from China, Eswatini continues to support Taiwan, highlighting the island's efforts to maintain its international partnerships.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te Visits Eswatini Amid Chinese Pressure

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te Visits Eswatini Amid Chinese Pressure

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has arrived in Eswatini, Taiwan's only diplomatic ally in Africa, following a delay caused by several countries withdrawing overflight permissions, reportedly due to Chinese pressure. Lai's visit aims to affirm the longstanding friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini and to demonstrate Taiwan's resilience against external pressures. The visit was initially scheduled for April 22 but was postponed after Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked flight permits under alleged Chinese economic coercion. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the visit, calling it a 'laughable stunt' and reiterated its stance that Taiwan is part of China. Taiwan's Foreign Ministry defended the trip, stating it was conducted in accordance with international law and norms.

Taiwan's President Lai Visits Eswatini Amid Diplomatic Tensions with China

Taiwan's President Lai Visits Eswatini Amid Diplomatic Tensions with China

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has arrived in Eswatini, marking a significant diplomatic visit after delays caused by revoked overflight permissions from several countries, reportedly due to Chinese pressure. Eswatini is Taiwan's only diplomatic ally in Africa, and the visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties. The trip was initially postponed when Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar withdrew flight permits, allegedly under Chinese influence. Despite these challenges, Lai emphasized Taiwan's commitment to maintaining international relations. China's Foreign Ministry criticized the visit, reiterating its stance on Taiwan as part of China and urging Eswatini to reconsider its diplomatic ties.

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.

China Warns U.S. on Taiwan Stability Ahead of President Trump's Beijing Visit

China Warns U.S. on Taiwan Stability Ahead of President Trump's Beijing Visit

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged the United States to maintain stability in bilateral relations, emphasizing that Taiwan remains the most significant risk in China-U.S. relations. This statement comes ahead of President Trump's scheduled visit to Beijing on May 14-15, 2026, where he is expected to meet with President Xi Jinping. The call between Wang and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also touched on the Middle East situation, although details were sparse. The dialogue aims to prepare for high-level interactions and expand cooperation while managing differences, particularly concerning Taiwan, which China views as a core interest.

Taiwan's President Visits Eswatini Amidst Chinese Pressure

Taiwan's President Visits Eswatini Amidst Chinese Pressure

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te visited Eswatini, Taiwan's only diplomatic ally in Africa, despite pressure from China. The visit was delayed after several countries withdrew overflight permissions, allegedly due to Chinese influence. Lai's visit aims to strengthen economic, agricultural, cultural, and educational ties with Eswatini. China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory, criticized the visit, calling it a 'laughable stunt.' Taiwan maintains diplomatic relations with only 12 countries, as China continues to exert pressure to isolate Taiwan internationally.

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.

Paraguay president to visit Taiwan in May amid China pressure

Paraguay president to visit Taiwan in May amid China pressure

BUENOS AIRES, April 30 (Reuters) - Paraguayan President Santiago Pena will travel to Taiwan from May 7 for a state visit aimed at deepening diplomatic and economic ties, his office and Taiwanese authorities said.

China Criticizes U.S. Energy Blockade While Pledging Support to Cuba

China Criticizes U.S. Energy Blockade While Pledging Support to Cuba

China has reinforced its commitment to supporting Cuba, criticizing the United States for its energy blockade and sanctions against the island nation. A spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry expressed this stance, highlighting China's ongoing support for Cuba amidst U.S. policies that Beijing views as detrimental. The criticism comes as part of China's broader foreign policy strategy to strengthen ties with countries affected by U.S. sanctions and to position itself as a counterbalance to U.S. influence in the region.