TAIPEI: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te struck a defiant tone as he began an unannounced visit to Eswatini, asserting Taipei’s right to engage globally despite strong opposition from China, which branded him a “rat” in a sharp escalation of rhetoric.
Speaking after his arrival, Lai reaffirmed Taiwan’s sovereignty, declaring that its 23 million citizens have every right to connect with the international community. “The Republic of China, Taiwan, is a sovereign nation and a Taiwan that belongs to the world,” he said in remarks shared by his office, underscoring that no external power should obstruct the island’s global participation.
Beijing, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province with no legitimacy for state-to-state relations, condemned the visit in unusually blunt language. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office accused Lai of “skulking” into Eswatini, intensifying an already strained cross-strait atmosphere.
The trip marking the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession was conducted under strict secrecy, with Lai traveling aboard an Eswatini government aircraft. Officials described the “arrive-then-announce” approach as a calculated move to avoid potential disruption, particularly after Taiwan alleged that Beijing pressured three Indian Ocean nations to deny overflight access for the president’s journey.
Eswatini remains one of just a dozen countries maintaining formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, making the visit symbolically and strategically significant for Taipei as it seeks to preserve its shrinking pool of international allies.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council dismissed Beijing’s remarks as “gutter talk,” reiterating that Lai does not require China’s permission to conduct overseas visits. The episode has also drawn broader international attention, with the United States and several European powers previously expressing concern over reported Chinese efforts to restrict Taiwan’s diplomatic outreach.
– Ben Lee
