Taiwan President Defies China, Visits Eswatini Despite Beijing's Pressure Campaign
Taiwan's President William Lai completed a diplomatic visit to Eswatini despite Chinese attempts to block the trip through economic coercion and diplomatic pressure, asserting Taiwan's right to engage internationally.
Diplomatic Visit
Taiwan President William Lai Ching-te says his government will never give up on engaging with the world as he visited Eswatini despite China's efforts to block the trip. President William Lai Ching-te says he met King Mswati III and signed trade agreements.
Beijing's Response
Taiwan's presidential office said the cancellations came after heavy pressure from Beijing, including economic coercion, and it called the move "without precedent in the international community".
Taiwan's Position
Lai thanked its king for standing with Taiwan "undeterred by various diplomatic and economic pressures" and reiterated that no country has the right to prevent Taiwan from contributing to the world.