Taiwan President Lai Ching-te landed in Eswatini on April 26, announcing the trip on social media as an affirmation of longstanding friendship. He declared that Taiwan would not be deterred by external pressures, amid growing tensions with China.

The visit, originally scheduled for April 22-26, was postponed after Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar reportedly revoked permission for Lai's plane to fly over their airspace. Taipei claims the decision was made under pressure from Beijing.

China denied applying economic pressure but expressed "high appreciation" for the three countries' actions. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson called Lai's visit a "laughable stunt" and a "losing cause," reiterating that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.

Lai aims to strengthen economic, agricultural, cultural, and educational ties with Eswatini, one of only 12 countries maintaining formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Most of these allies are in Latin America and the Caribbean, with only one in Africa and one in Europe.

Source: www.dw.com