“Taiwan will never be deterred by external pressures,” Lai said in a social media post announcing his arrival to Eswatini this weekend. “Our resolve & commitment are underpinned by the understanding that Taiwan will continue to engage with the world – no matter the challenges faced.”
Lai’s departure from Eswatini on Monday, like his arrival days earlier, was unannounced; his office had previously indicated he would be staying another night in the African nation, indicating concerns about potential Chinese efforts to disrupt travel plans.
Tension between U.S. and China
Lai’s visit to Eswatini has also highlighted simmering tensions between the United States and China over Taiwan.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson said the Taiwanese President’s trip was “routine and should not be politicised.”
“Taiwan is a trusted and capable partner of the United States and many others, and its relationships around the world provide significant benefits to the citizens of those countries, including Eswatini,” the spokesperson said. They added that Lai’s predecessor Tsai Ing-wen traveled to Eswatini in 2023 and 2018.
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