Taiwan president visits Eswatini days after blaming China for cancelled trip

Taiwan president visits Eswatini days after blaming China for cancelled trip49 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleTaiwanese President high-fives compatriots as he arrives in EswatiniTaiwan'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. 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.Taiwan Presidential Office HandoutTaiwan President Lai Ching-te (M) is greeted by Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini (R) on arrivalLai's visit this time was not announced in advance by either government.The trip had originally been set for 22 to 26 April, to mark the 40th anniversary of Eswatini's King Mswati III's accession. It was suspended after Taiwan said Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar had unilaterally revoked flight permits for Lai's aircraft to cross airspace they manage, citing Chinese pressure.On social media, Lai said: "Taiwan will never be deterred by external pressures. Our resolve & commitment are underpinned by the understanding that Taiwan will continue to engage with the world - no matter the challenges faced."In another post, he praised Eswatini for "standing firm against various diplomatic and economic pressure, speaking out for Taiwan's internationa...