President Lai: Path to the World May Encounter Headwinds, Will Continue Pragmatic Diplomacy
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te stated that despite China's interference causing the postponement of his Eswatini visit, Taiwan's determination to engage with the world will not change, and pragmatic diplomatic efforts will continue.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 21, 2026 at 20:27
- 🔍 Collected: April 21, 2026 at 20:32 (4 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 22, 2026 at 01:02 (4h 30m after Collected)
Central News Agency (Taipei, April 21st) – The Presidential Office announced tonight that President Lai Ching-te's planned visit to diplomatic ally Eswatini, originally scheduled for April 22nd, has been urgently postponed due to interference from China. President Lai subsequently posted on social media, stating that China's threats and suppression cannot change Taiwan's determination to engage with the world. The path to the world may occasionally encounter headwinds, but Taiwan will not change due to external obstructions and will continue pragmatic diplomatic efforts.
The Presidential Office held an impromptu press conference tonight, where Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Men-an read out a statement from the Presidential Office, noting that three countries on the presidential plane's flight path – Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar – had temporarily cancelled their flight permits. After careful consideration of the safety of the head of state and the delegation, the decision was made to postpone the trip. President Lai will instead appoint a special envoy to attend Eswatini's dual celebrations.
President Lai subsequently posted on social media, expressing regret to the public that some countries along the scheduled flight path had unexpectedly cancelled flight permits for the special plane under Chinese pressure. Based on the highest considerations for national and flight safety, he accepted the recommendation of the national security team to postpone this visit.
President Lai stated that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent nation, and the Taiwanese people have the right to engage with the world and deepen cooperation with like-minded partners. China's suppressive actions not only undermine regional security but also hurt the feelings of the Taiwanese people, further demonstrating the destructive impact of authoritarian regimes on international order and peace.
He emphasized that although the visit is postponed, Taiwan's regard and friendship for Eswatini remain undiminished. A special envoy will be appointed to attend Eswatini's "dual celebrations" national festivities to convey Taiwan's most sincere blessings to His Majesty King Mswati III and the people of Eswatini. The diplomatic team will also continue to promote various bilateral cooperation projects, making the friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini even stronger amidst challenges.
President Lai also mentioned his gratitude to all partner countries that extended a helping hand and actively provided assistance at this critical moment. Taiwan will not face the world alone; Taiwan will stand with friendly partners to jointly safeguard democracy and freedom and maintain regional security and stability.
He stated that no threats or suppression can change Taiwan's determination to engage with the world, nor can they deny Taiwan's ability to contribute to the international community. This path to the world may occasionally encounter headwinds, but Taiwan's sincerity in making friends with the world will never change due to external obstructions. "We will continue to work hard for Taiwan's diplomacy with steady steps and pragmatic actions." (Edited by Tsai Su-jung) 1150421
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The Presidential Office held an impromptu press conference tonight, where Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Men-an read out a statement from the Presidential Office, noting that three countries on the presidential plane's flight path – Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar – had temporarily cancelled their flight permits. After careful consideration of the safety of the head of state and the delegation, the decision was made to postpone the trip. President Lai will instead appoint a special envoy to attend Eswatini's dual celebrations.
President Lai subsequently posted on social media, expressing regret to the public that some countries along the scheduled flight path had unexpectedly cancelled flight permits for the special plane under Chinese pressure. Based on the highest considerations for national and flight safety, he accepted the recommendation of the national security team to postpone this visit.
President Lai stated that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent nation, and the Taiwanese people have the right to engage with the world and deepen cooperation with like-minded partners. China's suppressive actions not only undermine regional security but also hurt the feelings of the Taiwanese people, further demonstrating the destructive impact of authoritarian regimes on international order and peace.
He emphasized that although the visit is postponed, Taiwan's regard and friendship for Eswatini remain undiminished. A special envoy will be appointed to attend Eswatini's "dual celebrations" national festivities to convey Taiwan's most sincere blessings to His Majesty King Mswati III and the people of Eswatini. The diplomatic team will also continue to promote various bilateral cooperation projects, making the friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini even stronger amidst challenges.
President Lai also mentioned his gratitude to all partner countries that extended a helping hand and actively provided assistance at this critical moment. Taiwan will not face the world alone; Taiwan will stand with friendly partners to jointly safeguard democracy and freedom and maintain regional security and stability.
He stated that no threats or suppression can change Taiwan's determination to engage with the world, nor can they deny Taiwan's ability to contribute to the international community. This path to the world may occasionally encounter headwinds, but Taiwan's sincerity in making friends with the world will never change due to external obstructions. "We will continue to work hard for Taiwan's diplomacy with steady steps and pragmatic actions." (Edited by Tsai Su-jung) 1150421
Choose to stand with the facts; every sponsorship you provide helps safeguard press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-Hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.