Taiwan's Lai lands in Eswatini in a trip delayed by lack of overflight clearance
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te arrived in Eswatini on May 2, 2026, after his trip was delayed due to several countries denying overflight clearance reportedly under Chinese pressure. Lai stated the visit affirms Taiwan's longstanding friendship with Eswatini, its only diplomatic ally in Africa, and emphasized Taiwan's determination to engage globally despite external challenges. China criticized the trip as a 'laughable stunt' and reiterated its claim that Taiwan is part of China, urging Eswatini to end its ties with Taipei.
- ▪Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's trip to Eswatini was delayed after Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked overflight permits under alleged Chinese pressure.
- ▪Lai arrived in Eswatini on May 2, 2026, to strengthen economic, agricultural, cultural, and educational ties with Taiwan's sole African diplomatic ally.
- ▪China condemned the visit, calling it a 'laughable stunt' and accused Lai of being 'smuggled' out of Taiwan.
- ▪Taiwan defended the trip as lawful and consistent with international norms and diplomatic practices.
- ▪Eswatini is the only African country excluded from China's tariff-free market access due to its diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
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Asia Taiwan's Lai lands in Eswatini in a trip delayed by lack of overflight clearance May 2, 20263:48 PM ET By The Associated Press FILE - Taiwan President Lai Ching-te delivers a speech as he inspects Taiwanese reservists participating in reserve military training in Ilan County, Eastern Taiwan, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025. ChiangYing-ying/AP hide caption toggle caption ChiangYing-ying/AP TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te said he arrived in the African nation of Eswatini on Saturday, days after his government was forced to push back the trip when several countries withdrew permission for him to fly over their territories reportedly over Chinese pressure.
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