Story perspectives

China slams Taiwan president's surprise Eswatini visit

5/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

China’s foreign ministry denounced President Lai Ching-te’s surprise 22-26 April arrival in Eswatini as a “rat” and “stowaway-style escape farce.”
Lai was welcomed by Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, met King Mswati III, and planned to sign a customs cooperation agreement after China pressured Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar to withdraw overflight permits.
China urged Eswatini not to support Taiwan, called the trip ridicule, and kept tariffs on all African countries except Eswatini.

1 of 1

Story summary

China’s foreign ministry denounced President Lai Ching-te’s surprise 22-26 April arrival in Eswatini as a “rat” and “stowaway-style escape farce.”
Lai was welcomed by Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, met King Mswati III, and planned to sign a customs cooperation agreement after China pressured Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar to withdraw overflight permits.
China urged Eswatini not to support Taiwan, called the trip ridicule, and kept tariffs on all African countries except Eswatini.