China praises blocking of Taiwan President's Africa trip, Taipei defiant

Lead

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te completed a visit to Eswatini, the island's only diplomatic ally in Africa, over the weekend, defying China's efforts to block the trip. China's foreign ministry on Saturday accused Lai of staging a "stowaway-style escape farce" and called the visit a "laughable stunt," while Taiwan's foreign minister rejected Beijing's pressure, insisting the island would not "bow its head."

The visit, confirmed by multiple outlets, followed a wave of overflight denials that initially forced Lai to postpone his trip. Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked permission for his aircraft to fly over their territories, which Taiwan said was the result of "intense pressure" from Beijing, including economic coercion.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from Africa News, Al Jazeera, Deutsche Welle, The Jerusalem Post, and The Hindu — World all confirmed Lai's arrival in Eswatini and the signing of trade agreements with King Mswati III. The outlets differed in framing: some emphasized China's opposition while others highlighted Taiwan's diplomatic engagement. Deutsche Welle and The Hindu — World reported China's praise for the African countries that denied overflight rights, while Taiwan's foreign minister Lin Chia-Lung, as quoted by The Hindu — World, accused Beijing of "politicising and weaponising flight information."

Al Jazeera and Deutsche Welle both described the trip as "surprise" and "winding," noting Lai flew aboard the king's plane after the original itinerary was scrapped. Africa News noted that Lai attended a military welcome ceremony and met with the king, while The Jerusalem Post and The Hindu — World reported that China called Lai a "rat" for his "skulking" visit.

South China Morning Post, in an editorial, criticized Lai's visit as a "humiliation" and suggested Eswatini should reconsider its ties with Taipei, a viewpoint not shared by other outlets.

Key Claims

Taiwan's visit to Eswatini

Lai arrived on May 2 and attended a military welcome ceremony at Mandvulo Grand Hall near Manzini, according to multiple reports. He met King Mswati III and signed a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement and a joint communiqué reaffirming cooperation. Lai said the trip would strengthen "economic, agricultural, cultural and educational links" between Taiwan and Eswatini.

Overflight denials and China's reaction

Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked overflight permissions for Lai's aircraft, forcing the postponement of an originally scheduled April 22-26 trip. Taiwan's presidential office said the cancellations came "after heavy pressure from Beijing, including economic coercion." China denied applying economic pressure but expressed "high appreciation" for the three countries' actions, saying they were "completely in line with ... the basic norms of international relations." A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Lai's eventual trip as a "laughable stunt" and said he was "smuggled" out of the island.

Taiwan's diplomatic status

The visit highlighted Taiwan's dwindling diplomatic recognition. Eswatini is one of only 12 countries with formal ties to Taipei. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has pressured nations to sever ties, which Taiwan's government strongly disputes. Lin Chia-Lung said Taiwan is a sovereign state with the "right to engage with the world" and that no country has the authority to deny that right.

Perspectives

China's Position

Beijing maintains that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and opposes any international engagement by the island. A foreign ministry spokesperson called Lai's visit a "stowaway-style escape farce" and an "undignified act" that was a "losing cause," adding that "nothing will ever change the fact that Taiwan is part of China." China also expressed "high appreciation" for the African countries that denied overflight rights, affirming their support for the one-China principle.

Taiwan's Position

Taipei insists on its sovereign right to engage with the world. Lai told the media, "Taiwanese people have the right to engage with the world," and said the island would "not retreat in the face of suppression." Foreign Minister Lin Chia-Lung accused China of "politicising and weaponising flight information" and said such interference "will not make Taiwan bow its head." Taiwan's presidential office called the overflight cancellations "without precedent in the international community."

Eswatini's Position

King Mswati III reaffirmed his government's support for Taiwan's participation in the international community, stating that Eswatini would maintain formal ties with Taipei despite pressure from Beijing.