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Taiwan president visits Eswatini days after blaming China for cancelled trip
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Taiwan president visits Eswatini days after blaming China for cancelled trip

BBC News · May 2, 2026, 5:01 PM · Also reported by 4 other sources

Key takeaways

  • China described the visit as a "stowaway-style escape farce".
  • Images showed Lai being welcomed by Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini as he walked past a guard of honour.
  • Taiwan's delegation also included Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and National Security Council Adviser Alex Huang, according to its presidential office.

Why this matters: a developing story that could shape the day's news cycle.

Taiwanese President high-fives compatriots as he arrives in Eswatini Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has arrived in Eswatini, days after his government said a trip had been cancelled due to China pressuring African countries to stop him flying over their territories.

His visit to Eswatini - Taiwan's only diplomatic ally in Africa - followed "days of careful arrangements by the diplomatic and national security teams", he said, without giving further details on how he reached the country.

China described the visit as a "stowaway-style escape farce". China views Taiwan as part of its territory with no right to state-to-state relations.

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