Story perspectives

Taiwan Envoy Lands in Eswatini Amid Overflight Ban, Visit Cancelled

4/26/2026

Center

Lin Chia-lung Arrives

Lin Chia-lung firmly declared Taiwan will not be held back by authoritarian forces upon landing in Eswatini.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry announced Lin Chia-lung’s arrival in Eswatini as President Lai Ching-te’s special envoy.
Mauritius, Seychelles and Madagascar withdrew overflight permission, forcing President Lai to cancel his April 22-27 visit.
The United States, European Union, Britain, France and Germany voiced concern, while China denied pressure.

Right

Yates Criticizes China

Heritage Foundation senior fellow Steven Yates labeled China’s pressure on African airspace as “neo-colonialism, China style.”
Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung arrived in Eswatini serving as President Lai Ching-te’s special envoy.
Eswatini spokeswoman Thabile Mdluli said the long-standing partnership with Taiwan has meaningfully advanced national development.
Eswatini is the only African nation excluded from China’s zero-tariff export policy starting May 1.

History

Historical Context

On 25 October 1971 the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, recognizing the People’s Republic of China as the sole Chinese representative and expelling the Republic of China (Taiwan). The vote prompted dozens of states to switch recognition, leaving Taiwan with fewer than a dozen allies by the 1990s. Today the United States, EU and Britain cite that legacy while condemning Beijing’s diplomatic pressure on Taiwan.

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Lin Chia-lung Arrives

Lin Chia-lung firmly declared Taiwan will not be held back by authoritarian forces upon landing in Eswatini.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry announced Lin Chia-lung’s arrival in Eswatini as President Lai Ching-te’s special envoy.
Mauritius, Seychelles and Madagascar withdrew overflight permission, forcing President Lai to cancel his April 22-27 visit.
The United States, European Union, Britain, France and Germany voiced concern, while China denied pressure.

1 / 3