Taiwan’s President Reaches Eswatini After Airspace Denials, Vowing Not to Yield to Pressure

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te shakes hands with King Mswati III, the King of Eswatini, at Mandvulo Grand Hall near Manzini, Eswatini, May 2, 2026. Taiwan Presidential Office/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te shakes hands with King Mswati III, the King of Eswatini, at Mandvulo Grand Hall near Manzini, Eswatini, May 2, 2026. Taiwan Presidential Office/Handout via REUTERS

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te landed in Eswatini on Saturday, two weeks after his flight was delayed by three African countries that refused to grant his plane overflight rights.

Immediately upon landing, the President posted a defiant message on X, stating, “Taiwan will never be deterred by external pressures.”

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by Eric Olander

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