Taiwan president lands in Eswatini

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has arrived in Eswatini for a high-profile visit aimed at strengthening ties with the island's sole remaining diplomatic ally in Africa.

The surprise trip occurred despite significant pressure from Beijing, which reportedly attempted to block Lai's travel through diplomatic and logistical maneuvers.

Lai told King Mswati III that Taiwan has a fundamental right to engage with the world and that no third country can dictate its foreign relations.

The visit is seen as a defiant gesture against China's ongoing efforts to isolate Taiwan internationally, particularly as Lai prepares for a high-stakes meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump later this month.