President Lai Visits African Ally Eswatini After Original Trip Delayed
President Lai Ching-te has visited Taiwan's African ally Eswatini. Taipei says Beijing attempted to block Lai's original trip in April, but Taiwan won't back down when it comes to global engagement.
Strengthening Ties: President Lai Visits Eswatini
REPORTER:
President Lai Ching-te greets the King of Eswatini, Mswati III Saturday. This trip to Taiwan’s African ally is happening behind schedule—missing the King’s birthday and the 40th anniversary of his coronation. Taiwan says last-minute Chinese pressure led several countries to block Lai’s plane from their airspace, forcing Lai to postpone his trip. But, two weeks later, he’s here.
REPORTER:
The visit wasn’t made public ahead of time, but Eswatini was ready for his arrival.
REPORTER:
The national anthem plays as guns fire a salute to honor Lai’s first visit to this country as Taiwan’s president.
REPORTER:
Taiwan and Eswatini have recognized one another since shortly after Eswatini’s independence in 1968. And while every other country on the continent has broken relations with Taiwan in favor of China, Eswatini’s King Mswati III says his country still has Taiwan’s back.
Mswati III (KING OF ESWATINI):
Your Excellency, we would like to give assurance
to yourself, the government and the people of Taiwan
that the Kingdom of Eswatini stands ready
and in support of all the achievements
which Taiwan would like to achieve
which include Taiwan's participation
in the international community.
REPORTER:
Eswatini is one of twelve countries that recognize Taiwan. And President Lai says despite pressure from Beijing, Taiwan—officially, the Republic of China--isn’t giving in when it comes to engaging with the world.
Lai Ching-te (TAIWAN PRESIDENT):
The Republic of China, Taiwan, is a sovereign country.
It is a global Taiwan.
The 23 million people of Taiwan
have the right to go out in the world.
No country has the right
to block Taiwan from contributing to the world.
REPORTER:
China has made clear its irritation with Eswatini over its ties with Taiwan. On Friday, Beijing axed tariffs for all African countries, except Eswatini. It’s also disparaged Lai’s visit, describing it as a “stowaway-style farce”.
REPORTER:
With this visit, Eswatini and Taiwan are strengthening ties. They’ve signed an agreement of mutual assistance in customs matters—and Taiwan is hoping to see deeper economic, agricultural, cultural and educational links, too. Though China sees Taiwan as a part of its territory without the right to diplomatic ties, the Presidential Office says Taiwan isn’t going to give up its international role.
Karen Kuo (SPOKESPERSON, PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE):
We also wish to reiterate that Taiwan's role
as a member of the international community
and its engagement with the world
are inalienable human rights
of all 23 million people of Taiwan.
Going forward
Taiwan will continue to work with the international community
for mutual benefit and shared prosperity
guided by a rules-based international order.
REPORTER:
And in an English-language social media post, Lai put this position in his own words, writing—quote-- “Our resolve & commitment are underpinned by the understanding that Taiwan will continue to engage with the world—no matter the challenges faced.”
John Su and John Van Trieste for TaiwanPlus.
