China praises blocking of Taiwan President's Africa trip, Taipei defiant
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te made a surprise visit to Eswatini, the island's only African ally, after three countries revoked overflight permissions, prompting China to voice 'high appreciation' and condemn Lai's actions as a 'stowaway-style escape farce.' Taipei insists it has the right to engage with the world and accuses Beijing of economic coercion.