Overview
- Lai Ching-te, speaking in Taipei on Tuesday after his trip, said Taiwan has the right to build ties with the world.
- The visit went ahead after a delay, with Lai flying on Eswatini’s king’s plane and receiving an official welcome in Mbabane.
- Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked overflight permits for Lai’s original route, which Taipei attributed to strong pressure from China.
- China’s foreign ministry mocked the trip as a parody of escape, while the United States condemned Beijing’s tactics as intimidation.
- Eswatini, one of about a dozen states that still recognize Taiwan, is excluded from China’s new zero-tariff offer to African countries.