Taiwan FM vows to not bow to China amid Eswatini visit
Taiwan FM vows to not bow to China amid Eswatini visit
Taiwan’s foreign minister arrives in Eswatini amid Beijing’s pressure over overflight rights, stressing resilience and Taiwan’s global ties.
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung arrived in Mbabane, Eswatini, for talks aimed at deepening ties as Beijing widens its push to pressure African nations to revoke overflight rights for Taiwan’s leader. The visit comes after President Lai Ching-te postponed an official trip to Eswatini last week, following Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar revoking charter overflight permits for the president’s aircraft.
Lin Chia-lung asserted that no external force should shake Taiwan’s resolve to safeguard its dignity and maintain international connections. He emphasized that Taiwan would stand firm in defending its interests while engaging constructively with Eswatini and other partners.
Eswatini remains Taiwan’s sole diplomatic ally in Africa, highlighting the island’s fragile international position and its reliance on strategic relationships across the region. Analysts say the episode underscores a broader geopolitical contest between Taipei and Beijing, with overflight rights, diplomatic recognition, and economic ties at stake. The talks during this visit are expected to cover cooperation in trade, development, and regional security.
