The U.S. State Department has expressed strong support for Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s recent diplomatic mission to Eswatini, describing Taiwan as a reliable and effective partner despite fierce opposition from China.
President Lai made an unannounced visit to the African nation on Saturday after his administration accused Beijing of sabotaging a previously scheduled trip last month by pressuring three Indian Ocean nations to refuse aircraft overflight clearance.
Beijing considers Taiwan, which operates as a democracy, to be part of Chinese territory without the authority to maintain sovereign diplomatic relationships. Taiwan’s leadership firmly rejects this claim, while China continues pressing nations worldwide to cut all official contact with the island.
A State Department representative emphasized Taiwan’s value as an ally, stating: “Taiwan is a trusted and capable partner of the United States and many others, and its relationships around the world provide significant benefits to the citizens of those countries, including Eswatini.”
The spokesperson noted that diplomatic visits abroad are standard practice for Taiwan’s democratically elected leaders, pointing out that Lai’s predecessor Tsai Ing-wen traveled to Eswatini in both 2018 and 2023.
“This travel is routine and should not be politicised,” the spokesperson emphasized.
Eswatini, with approximately 1.3 million residents, represents one of only twelve nations maintaining official diplomatic recognition of Taiwan. It stands as Taiwan’s sole African diplomatic partner in a continent where China has established extensive economic influence.
Beijing has sharply criticized Lai’s journey, which was conducted using an Eswatini government plane, with Chinese officials comparing him to “a rat scurrying across the street.”
The United States serves as Taiwan’s primary international supporter and weapons provider, a relationship that consistently irritates Beijing officials.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described Taiwan as “the biggest point of risk” in U.S.-China relations during discussions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, prior to an upcoming summit between Chinese and American leaders scheduled for Beijing this month.
President Lai maintains that Taiwan’s citizens alone have the authority to determine their nation’s future and asserts Taiwan’s right to participate in international affairs.
During his Sunday activities, Lai extended an invitation for King Mswati III to return to Taiwan. The president had originally intended to visit Eswatini during April’s commemoration of the king’s 40th year in power.
