Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has arrived in Eswatini for a diplomatic visit after his initial departure was delayed by the cancellation of flight permits over three countries due to pressure from China.
Key points
- The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties in areas including economy, agriculture, culture, and education.
- President Lai Ching-te was originally scheduled to depart on April 22 to attend King Mswati III's 40th anniversary of accession and 58th birthday celebrations.
- The flight permit cancellations affected the Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar, which the Taiwan Presidential Office attributed to Chinese influence.
- China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised the three nations for adhering to the 'One China' principle.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the ongoing diplomatic struggle between Taiwan and China, as Beijing continues to exert pressure on countries to limit Taiwan's international engagement.
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