Lai Thanks Eswatini for Support of Taiwan Amid Chinese Interference

Mbabane: President Lai Ching-te on Sunday expressed gratitude to Eswatini for its support of Taiwan through a pre-recorded video address. He mentioned his intention to attend the celebrations for King Mswati III in person, but his visit was reportedly disrupted by Chinese interference. According to Focus Taiwan, the video message was played at a gala dinner for international dignitaries in Eswatini's administrative capital, Mbabane. In the address, Lai congratulated King Mswati III on the 40th anniversary of his reign and highlighted the "triple 58" milestone, marking the king's 58th birthday, Eswatini's 58th independence anniversary, and 58 years of diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Lai emphasized Taiwan's sovereignty and the right of its 23 million people to engage internationally, citing that external pressures only strengthen their resolve. He acknowledged Eswatini's progress in infrastructure, social welfare, health care, and regional stability, noting that electricity access has surpassed 85 percent, a significant achievement in sub-Saharan Africa. Lai noted the country's economic growth, indicating a more than 61-fold expansion in recent decades, along with strengthened sovereignty. He outlined ongoing bilateral projects, including a strategic oil storage facility slated for completion in 2028 and a Taiwan industrial innovation park to boost investment and job creation. The president expressed appreciation to King Mswati III and the Eswatini government for backing Taiwan's international participation. He expressed regret over not being able to visit personally to convey the Taiwanese people's best wishes. Lai's visit was suspended due to what Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung described as Beijing's politicization of flight information regions, with Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar denying overflight permits. Despite these challenges, Foreign Minister Lin arrived in Eswatini early Saturday as Lai's special envoy, leading the Taiwanese delegation. Lin's Facebook post mentioned the delegation's warm r eception by Eswatini's Foreign Minister Pholile Shakantu and Commerce, Industry and Trade Minister Manqoba Khumalo. Lin emphasized that the visit exemplified Taiwan's ability to overcome challenges and their commitment to global engagement. He stated his intention to participate in the king's anniversary events and review bilateral cooperation projects as Taiwan and Eswatini continue to strengthen their 58-year diplomatic relationship.