Taiwan’s William Lai lands in eSwatini on trip Beijing calls a political ‘stunt’

AdvertisementTaiwanChinaDiplomacyTaiwan’s William Lai lands in eSwatini on trip Beijing calls a political ‘stunt’

Lai travels to island sole African ally after earlier visit cancelled because of overflight permission withdrawn

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Lawrence Chungin TaipeiPublished: 9:11pm, 2 May 2026Beijing has labelled Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te’s surprise visit to eSwatini, the island’s sole African ally, a political “stunt”.

In a Facebook post on Saturday evening, Lai said he arrived earlier in the day. The eSwatini government also confirmed his arrival on its own Facebook page.

“Hello to my fellow citizens. I arrived earlier today in our diplomatic ally eSwatini,” Lai wrote, adding that his foreign affairs and security teams had spent days securing a revised route that allowed the delegation to reach the southern African kingdom.

AdvertisementLai initially planned to leave for eSwatini on April 22, but cancelled on the eve of the trip as three countries withdrew overflight clearance for his aircraft – decisions his office blamed on pressure from Beijing.

He said the visit aimed to deepen cooperation in areas including the economy, agriculture, culture and education, and to strengthen bilateral ties and Taiwan’s broader international partnerships.

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Lai also thanked eSwatini for supporting Taiwan despite what he said was diplomatic and economic pressure.

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