Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te on Tuesday defended state visits as a basic right for countries, following his return from a three-day trip to the African kingdom of Eswatini. His government claims China attempted to block the journey.
Background of the Trip
Mr Lai was originally scheduled to travel to Eswatini, one of Taiwan's 12 remaining diplomatic partners, last month but had to cancel due to Chinese pressure, according to Taiwan's government. China allegedly pressured three countries to revoke flight permits, denying Mr Lai's plane transit through their airspace. China did not confirm these actions but thanked the nations for supporting Beijing's one-China principle.
Rescheduled Visit and Remarks
Undeterred, Mr Lai rescheduled the trip and arrived in Eswatini on 2 May, where discussions focused on economic, agricultural, cultural, and educational cooperation. Upon his return to Taiwan on Tuesday, he stated, "Just like going out to visit friends, this is every country's basic right." He added, "This trip, which was subject to obstruction, actually let the world see the Taiwanese public's determination and will to be a part of the world."
China's Stance and Ongoing Pressure
China claims self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory, to be retaken by force if necessary, and prohibits countries with which it has diplomatic relations from maintaining formal ties with Taipei. In practice, Taiwan is self-ruled but faces increasing pressure from China on all fronts. China's military conducts near-daily sorties of fighter jets and navy vessels near Taiwan, while also using economic incentives and pressure to persuade countries to cut diplomatic ties with the island.
Over the weekend, organizers of a human rights conference in Zambia canceled the event after China pressured the host country to exclude Taiwanese activists.
Gratitude and Reflection
Mr Lai thanked Eswatini's Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, who accompanied them on the trip and traveled to Taiwan in late April, for ensuring "a smooth round trip" for everyone. He concluded, "Taiwan's actions show that the real display of power of a country isn't in having others submit to you, but to bring prosperity to everyone."
