Lai Back in Taipei After Successful Eswatini Visit – May 5, 2026
President Lai Ching-te returns to Taipei after a successful visit to Eswatini, marking a defiant win for Taiwan's diplomacy under Chinese pressure. The Cabinet says it is stepping up efforts to assist eight Taiwanese ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. And the Balikatan drills are strengthening alliances between the US, Philippines and Japan but fishers in coastal communities are forced to adapt as they're unable to put to sea. Plus: - The foreign ministry says ties with Paraguay are strong amid reports that China is pressuring the South American country to switch diplomatic recognition. - The popular tourist destination of Bali is facing a trash buildup after new safety rules banned organic waste at its main dump, putting pressure on residents and visitors alike. - In South Korea, AI-powered tools using facial scans and birth data are emerging as an alternative way to interpret saju, a traditional form of fortune telling.
