President's trip to Eswatini falls through? MOFA: Obvious discrepancy with facts
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied rumors that President Lai's trip to Eswatini had fallen through. They clarified that the postponement was a careful decision prioritizing the delegation's safety amid Chinese pressure.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 22, 2026 at 17:52
- 🔍 Collected: April 22, 2026 at 18:02 (9 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 23, 2026 at 15:36 (21h 34m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(CNA Reporter Yang Yao-ru, Taipei, 22nd) A media personality claimed that there were originally three plans for President Lai Ching-te's trip to Eswatini, but all fell through. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated today that such speculation does not match the facts, and outside claims about failing to grasp changing situations, or speculations about the contents and timeline of multiple plans, have an obvious discrepancy with the actual situation.
MOFA stated that speculations by certain domestic media regarding the flight route and related operations for the President's trip to Eswatini are inconsistent with the facts. The flight route and various arrangements for the President's trip are carefully planned and executed under the premise of ensuring the flight safety of the President and all delegation members. Efforts continued until the very last moment before the decision to postpone the trip was made.
MOFA explained that operations related to state visits involve multi-party communication and comprehensive security assessments. Outside claims of failing to grasp the changing situation, or speculations about the contents and timing of the so-called multiple plans, are significantly disconnected from reality. Facing malicious suppression from China and various uncertain factors, the government has always upheld a professional and responsible attitude in conducting holistic assessments, taking the safety of the Head of State and national interests as the top priority.
MOFA once again condemned China for continuing to use political force to interfere with Taiwan's normal foreign exchanges, intervening in the normal operations of international civil aviation, and even utilizing economic coercion to "politicize" and "weaponize" civil aviation safety. Taiwan will continue to cooperate closely with like-minded countries, firmly defend democratic values, and expand international participation space in a pragmatic and steady manner. (Editor: Wan Shu-chang) 1150422
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(CNA Reporter Yang Yao-ru, Taipei, 22nd) A media personality claimed that there were originally three plans for President Lai Ching-te's trip to Eswatini, but all fell through. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated today that such speculation does not match the facts, and outside claims about failing to grasp changing situations, or speculations about the contents and timeline of multiple plans, have an obvious discrepancy with the actual situation.
MOFA stated that speculations by certain domestic media regarding the flight route and related operations for the President's trip to Eswatini are inconsistent with the facts. The flight route and various arrangements for the President's trip are carefully planned and executed under the premise of ensuring the flight safety of the President and all delegation members. Efforts continued until the very last moment before the decision to postpone the trip was made.
MOFA explained that operations related to state visits involve multi-party communication and comprehensive security assessments. Outside claims of failing to grasp the changing situation, or speculations about the contents and timing of the so-called multiple plans, are significantly disconnected from reality. Facing malicious suppression from China and various uncertain factors, the government has always upheld a professional and responsible attitude in conducting holistic assessments, taking the safety of the Head of State and national interests as the top priority.
MOFA once again condemned China for continuing to use political force to interfere with Taiwan's normal foreign exchanges, intervening in the normal operations of international civil aviation, and even utilizing economic coercion to "politicize" and "weaponize" civil aviation safety. Taiwan will continue to cooperate closely with like-minded countries, firmly defend democratic values, and expand international participation space in a pragmatic and steady manner. (Editor: Wan Shu-chang) 1150422
Choose to stand with facts. Every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the CNA 'First News' APP to grasp the latest news instantly.
The text, images, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.