President Lai to Visit Eswatini, Foreign Affairs Officials Analyze Three Key Meanings

Taipei, April 13 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te will lead a delegation to visit diplomatic ally Eswatini from April 22nd to 27th. This marks President Lai's first visit to Africa during his tenure and his second overseas trip. Foreign affairs officials stated today that this trip holds three significant meanings for the diplomatic ties between the two countries: demonstrating solid friendship, highlighting the strong contrast between Taiwan's substantive diplomacy and China's approach, and showcasing practical cooperation. President Lai Ching-te will visit the Kingdom of Eswatini from April 22nd to 27th. This trip is primarily in response to a personal invitation letter from King Mswati III of Eswatini, coinciding with King Mswati's 58th birthday and 40th coronation anniversary, as well as the 58th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Eswatini. President Lai's personal leadership of the delegation is considered by foreign affairs officials to have three major significances for bilateral relations. Firstly, 'demonstrating solid friendship.' This year marks King Mswati III's 58th birthday and 40th coronation anniversary, and Eswatini will hold grand dual celebrations, with many royal family members, government officials, and representatives from neighboring countries expected to attend. President Lai's personal visit holds significant meaning for the diplomatic ties between the two countries. Secondly, 'Taiwan's substantive diplomacy in strong contrast to China.' In recent years, China has actively expanded its influence globally, for example, through the 'Belt and Road' initiative in Africa and establishing cooperative relations with various African countries through the 'Forum on China-Africa Cooperation,' thereby wooing and threatening Eswatini, Taiwan's only diplomatic ally in Africa. Foreign affairs officials stated that while the 'Belt and Road' policy appears to be a win-win for China and Africa, it has in fact led many African countries to face massive debt due to accepting Chinese loans for infrastructure construction. According to the African Development Bank, more than 20 countries are either over-indebted or face high debt risk. China's promotion of the 'Belt and Road' prioritizes infrastructure that helps strengthen its control, such as power, roads, and bridges, undoubtedly hoping to control Africa's rich mineral resources and entire supply chain. Foreign affairs officials stated that Eswatini is Taiwan's only diplomatic ally in Africa. China has long threatened to cut off all trade with Eswatini while continuously establishing commercial and economic interests there. Taiwan, on the other hand, continues to improve public health, promote women's empowerment, assist in public construction, and cultivate talent locally, forming a strong contrast with hegemonic China through concrete contributions. Thirdly, 'showcasing practical cooperation.' Africa is a strategic core of the Global South, and Eswatini is Taiwan's only diplomatic ally in Africa, as well as an important member of the Southern African Customs Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area. This trip will highlight the fruitful cooperation achievements between Taiwan and Eswatini, allowing neighboring African countries to see the contributions Taiwan can make through the successful cooperation experience of Taiwan-Eswatini diplomatic ties.