Full Breakdown
King Mswati III’s 20th Visit Reinforces Eswatini-Taiwan Diplomatic Ties
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: State Visit and Pledge of Enduring Friendship
On October 9, 2026, King Mswati III arrived in Taipei for a nine-day state visit that includes attendance at Taiwan’s 115th National Day celebrations on October 10, 2026. At a welcome ceremony on Liberty Square, the monarch reiterated Eswatini’s commitment to “enduring friendship” with Taiwan and pledged to continue advocating for Taiwan’s participation in United Nations activities. The itinerary also features a joint air-ground military exercise, a tour of an agricultural research center, and the signing of a bilateral criminal-justice mutual legal assistance agreement.
Background & Context
Eswatini and Taiwan have maintained formal diplomatic relations since 1968, making Eswatini the island’s sole African ally. Taiwan’s network of 12 diplomatic partners—mostly small states in Latin America, the Caribbean and the Pacific—relies on such relationships to sustain its international visibility. In April 2024, President William Lai Ching-te’s planned visit to Eswatini was cancelled after overflight permissions were revoked, an action Taiwan attributed to pressure from the People’s Republic of China. Lai later traveled to Eswatini in May 2024 using a low-profile “arrive-then-announce” approach.
Timeline
- May 18-23, 2024 – King Mswati III’s 19th visit to Taiwan; cooperation agreements signed.
- April 2024 – Planned presidential visit to Eswatini cancelled after overflight denials.
- May 2024 – President Lai’s successful visit to Eswatini.
- October 9, 2026 – King Mswati III arrives in Taipei for a second-year-later visit.
- October 10, 2026 – Participation in Taiwan’s Double Ten National Day celebrations.
Data & Statistics
- Bilateral trade reached US$6.47 million in 2025, according to Taiwan’s economic authorities.
- Taiwan currently recognizes 12 diplomatic allies, including Eswatini, Belize, Guatemala, Paraguay, Haiti, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Marshall Islands, Palau, Tuvalu and the Holy See.
Official Statements & Responses
President Lai described the partnership as built on “trust” and highlighted cooperation in healthcare, education, digital technology, infrastructure and energy, noting that Taiwanese investment could make Eswatini a gateway to African markets. He thanked the king for supporting Taiwan’s bid for substantive participation in UN meetings.
King Mswati III affirmed that Eswatini will continue to advocate for Taiwan’s inclusion in multilateral forums, citing the island’s contributions to global supply chains and sustainable development.
Criticism & Opposition
Mao Ning’s statement represents the People’s Republic of China’s official opposition to the visit, framing Eswatini’s diplomatic choice as contrary to Chinese “long-term interests” and warning of potential repercussions.
Why It Matters / Impact
The visit underscores Taiwan’s reliance on a limited pool of diplomatic partners to counter Beijing’s “One China” campaign. By securing a high-profile state visit and a new legal-assistance framework, Taiwan demonstrates continued international engagement despite pressure on its remaining allies. For Eswatini, the partnership offers access to Taiwanese investment, technology transfer and development assistance, while positioning the kingdom as a vocal advocate for a more inclusive UN system.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on which African states denied overflight permission to President Lai’s April 2024 aircraft. Some list Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar; others mention only Mauritius and Madagascar. The precise mechanism of Chinese influence over these decisions remains unverified.
What’s Next
Following the signing of the mutual legal assistance agreement, both governments plan to expand cooperation in trade, renewable energy, agriculture, healthcare, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, though specific projects and timelines have not been disclosed. The National Day ceremony on October 10, 2026 will conclude the king’s current visit.