Taiwan President's Secret Flight to Eswatini

 The New York Times published on 14 May 2026 an article titled "Inside the Secret Mission to Fly Taiwan's President to Africa" by Chris Buckley and Amy Chang Chien.  

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's first attempt to visit Eswatini, the only African country that recognizes Taipei, was aborted when Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar at the last-minute revoked permission to overfly their airspace.  This account details how Lai Ching-te managed subsequently to circumvent these denials by flying secretly on the royal jet that brought Eswatini's deputy prime minister to Taiwan for a visit.  

Foreign Minister Represents Taiwan at Eswatini Celebration

 The Taipei Times published on 26 April 2026 an article titled "Lin Chia-lung Visits Eswatini as Envoy."

Following the cancellation of overflight permission by Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar for the president of Taiwan to attend the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III's accession to the throne, Taiwan's foreign minister arrived in Eswatini as his country's special envoy at the celebration.  

China-Taiwan Tension in Aftermath of Cancelled Visit to Eswatini

 Academicjobs.com posted on 23 April 2026 an article titled "China-Taiwan Tensions Escalate: African Airspace Denials Force President's Africa Trip Cancellation."

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te was set to attend the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III's accession to the throne in Eswatini.  The president cancelled the visit at the last minute when Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked overflight permission for the presidential aircraft.  

Taipei charged that Beijing pressured the three countries to revoke the overflight permission.  Beijing did not acknowledge any role but praised the action of the three countries.  The United States condemned China's intimidation campaign.

Eswatini Strengthens Economic Ties with Beijing; Retains Diplomatic Ties with Taipei

 The Diplomat published on 12 September 2024 an analysis titled "China-Africa Summit Shines a Spotlight on Eswatini, Taiwan's Lone Partner in Africa" by Shannon Tiezzi.

Eswatini is the only country in Africa that recognizes Taipei.  Recent growing economic ties between China and Eswatini have renewed speculation that the two countries might establish diplomatic relations.  This is, however, a decision in the hands of King Mswati III and there is no indication he is prepared to switch from Taipei to Beijing.  

The Taipei Times published on 12 September 2024 an article titled "Eswatini 'Quietly Warming' to China: Report" by Jonathan Chin.

This report contains similar information but quotes an Eswatini government representative who denies that the Kingdom is about to begin a dialogue for switching diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China.

China's Last Holdout in Africa

 The American Security Project published on 12 September 2024 a commentary titled "Navigating Diplomacy Lessons from Eswatini-Taiwan Relations" by Solveig Holmedahl.

Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, is the last remaining African nation that has diplomatic ties with the Republic of China.  It is also Africa's last remaining absolute monarchy.  Eleven countries globally still recognize Taipei rather than Beijing.  

Taiwan's President to Visit Eswatini

 Focus Taiwan published on 25 August 2023 an article titled "President Tsai to Visit Eswatini in Early September."

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen will visit from 5-8 September Eswatini, the only country in Africa that recognizes Taipei.  The occasion marks the 55th anniversary of Eswatini's independence.