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Taiwan's President Visits Eswatini Amid Diplomatic Tensions

4/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te will visit Eswatini from April 22 to 26, marking his first trip outside Taiwan since November 2024.
Eswatini is Taiwan's last diplomatic ally in Africa.
The visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession and his 58th birthday.
Taiwan maintains formal ties with 12 countries, mostly small nations.
The trip avoids layovers that could provoke China, which claims Taiwan as its territory.

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Story summary

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te will visit Eswatini from April 22 to 26, marking his first trip outside Taiwan since November 2024.
Eswatini is Taiwan's last diplomatic ally in Africa.
The visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession and his 58th birthday.
Taiwan maintains formal ties with 12 countries, mostly small nations.
The trip avoids layovers that could provoke China, which claims Taiwan as its territory.