2026 marked the 58th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Eswatini. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te had planned to visit Eswatini from April 22 to 24 to attend celebrations marking King Mswati III’s 40th anniversary on the throne and his 58th birthday. However, the trip was disrupted after three countries—Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar—reportedly denied overflight permission for Taiwan’s presidential aircraft, allegedly under pressure from Beijing. Taiwan subsequently dispatched Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung as a special envoy, while the episode was viewed by Beijing as a diplomatic success.
In response, Taiwan and Eswatini coordinated an alternative arrangement. Eswatini sent its deputy prime minister to Taiwan aboard the king’s royal aircraft, reaffirming the close relationship between the two countries.
During the visit, the envoy formally invited Lai to travel to Eswatini using the royal aircraft, providing a workaround to the earlier flight restrictions. On May 2, Lai successfully arrived in Eswatini for an official state visit, reportedly catching Beijing off guard. He returned to Taiwan on May 5 aboard the same aircraft, flying over Mozambique, South Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, accompanied by Eswatini’s deputy prime minister.
Sources:
1. Liberty Times (Taiwan), May 2, 2026
https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/politics/breakingnews/5423344
2. Lianhe Zaobao, May 5, 2026
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/china/story20260505-8999852