Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te arrived in Eswatini on Saturday, the island’s sole diplomatic ally in Africa. The visit comes just days after Taiwan’s government said a planned trip had been cancelled due to China pressuring African nations to deny overflight permissions for Lai’s aircraft.

Lai said the visit followed “days of careful arrangements by the diplomatic and national security teams,” without providing details on how he reached the country. China described the visit as a “stowaway-style escape farce.” Beijing has long viewed Taiwan as part of its territory with no right to conduct state-to-state relations.

Images showed Lai being welcomed by Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini as he walked past a guard of honour. Taiwan’s presidential office confirmed that Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and National Security Council Adviser Alex Huang were also part of the delegation.

Lai’s visit was not announced in advance by either government. The trip had originally been scheduled for April 22-26 to mark the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession to the throne. It was suspended after Taiwan said Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar had unilaterally revoked flight permits for Lai’s aircraft, citing Chinese pressure.

On social media, Lai wrote: “Taiwan will never be deterred by external pressures. Our resolve and commitment are underpinned by the understanding that Taiwan will continue to engage with the world — no matter the challenges faced.” He praised Eswatini for “standing firm against various diplomatic and economic pressure, speaking out for Taiwan’s international place through concrete actions.”

Lai’s schedule in Eswatini includes bilateral talks with King Mswati III and signing a customs agreement.

China’s foreign ministry in Beijing said Lai had become “an international laughing stock.” A spokesperson stated: “No matter how the Democratic Progressive Party authorities collude with external forces or in what form they ‘buy the loyalty of others,’ it is all a futile effort that cannot change the fact that Taiwan is part of China.” Beijing also urged Eswatini to “see clearly the general trend of history” and not “pull chestnuts out of the fire for a handful of ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists.”

In a related development, China announced on Friday that it was scrapping tariffs for all African countries — except Eswatini — underscoring Beijing’s displeasure at the kingdom’s continued diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Eswatini is one of just 12 small states worldwide that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Sources: BBC News