Story perspectives

Taiwan President Lai Lands in Eswatini Amid China Pressure

5/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te arrived in Eswatini on May 2, ending the postponed diplomatic visit.
The postponement followed flight-permit withdrawals by Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar, which Taiwan blamed on Beijing.
Lai posted on X that Taiwan will not be deterred by external pressure and will keep engaging globally.
China’s foreign ministry accused Lai of secretly boarding a foreign jet, wasting public funds, and restated that Taiwan belongs to China.

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Story summary

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te arrived in Eswatini on May 2, ending the postponed diplomatic visit.
The postponement followed flight-permit withdrawals by Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar, which Taiwan blamed on Beijing.
Lai posted on X that Taiwan will not be deterred by external pressure and will keep engaging globally.
China’s foreign ministry accused Lai of secretly boarding a foreign jet, wasting public funds, and restated that Taiwan belongs to China.