President Lai Arrives in Eswatini for Visit; Cho Jung-tai: Will Not Retreat in Face of Suppression
President Lai Ching-te announced on social media his arrival in allied nation Eswatini. Premier Cho Jung-tai stated that the Republic of China (Taiwan) will continue to demonstrate steady diplomatic assertiveness, not retreat in the face of suppression, uphold democracy, and deepen relations with global democratic partners. The visit, delayed by Chinese interference, proceeded successfully thanks to meticulous arrangements by the diplomatic and national security teams.
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- 📰 Published: May 2, 2026 at 20:15
- 🔍 Collected: May 2, 2026 at 20:31 (15 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 2, 2026 at 20:34 (2 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporters Lai Yu-chen, Wu Shu-wei, Taipei 2nd) President Lai Ching-te stated on social media earlier that he has flown to allied nation Eswatini. Premier Cho Jung-tai stated that the Republic of China (Taiwan) will surely continue to demonstrate steady diplomatic assertiveness, not retreat in the face of suppression, uphold democracy, and continue to deepen relations with global democratic partners.
President Lai was originally scheduled to visit African ally the Kingdom of Eswatini on April 22, but the trip was urgently delayed due to Chinese interference. Later, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung was appointed as the President's special envoy to attend Eswatini's "Double Celebration" national festivities.
However, President Lai stated on social media earlier that after days of meticulous arrangements by the diplomatic and national security teams, he successfully arrived in Eswatini today. Although a few days late, the people of Eswatini still gave him a warm and enthusiastic welcome. He added that he will overcome all challenges with determination and effort, respond to unfair suppression with justice and rationality, and persevere for himself and every future generation of Taiwanese people.
Executive Yuan spokesperson Li Hui-chih conveyed through media groups that Premier Cho Jung-tai thanked Eswatini for its long-standing deep and firm friendship with the Republic of China (Taiwan), which allowed President Lai to successfully visit.
Cho Jung-tai pointed out that Taiwanese people have the right to go out into the world, and the world is opening its arms to welcome Taiwan. No amount of obstruction can stop Taiwan's determination to freely go out into the world, and it further strengthens Taiwan's confidence in working hand-in-hand with like-minded democratic partners.
Cho Jung-tai stated that the Republic of China (Taiwan) will surely continue to demonstrate steady diplomatic assertiveness, not retreat in the face of suppression, uphold democracy, continue to deepen relations with global democratic partners, actively participate in global affairs, continue to support the development of allied nations, and contribute to the international community.
In addition, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, who accompanied the President on his visit to Eswatini, also posted on Facebook in the evening, stating that he successfully and safely accompanied President Lai to the Kingdom of Eswatini for a state visit. It had been less than a week since he led a delegation as the President's special envoy to Eswatini and completed the task entrusted by President Lai, and he was once again in an allied nation.
Lin Chia-lung said that during this period, the diplomatic and national security teams and all relevant partners did not stop their efforts, prudently advancing various arrangements. He sincerely thanked H.M. King Mswati III and the Eswatini government for their support. During the upcoming visit, Taiwan's model of international cooperation and the concrete results of the "Rong Bang" project will be demonstrated through bilateral cooperation projects between Taiwan and Eswatini in areas such as economy, agriculture, ecological conservation, culture, and women's empowerment. (Editor: Lin Ke-lun) 1150502
(Central News Agency reporters Lai Yu-chen, Wu Shu-wei, Taipei 2nd) President Lai Ching-te stated on social media earlier that he has flown to allied nation Eswatini. Premier Cho Jung-tai stated that the Republic of China (Taiwan) will surely continue to demonstrate steady diplomatic assertiveness, not retreat in the face of suppression, uphold democracy, and continue to deepen relations with global democratic partners.
President Lai was originally scheduled to visit African ally the Kingdom of Eswatini on April 22, but the trip was urgently delayed due to Chinese interference. Later, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung was appointed as the President's special envoy to attend Eswatini's "Double Celebration" national festivities.
However, President Lai stated on social media earlier that after days of meticulous arrangements by the diplomatic and national security teams, he successfully arrived in Eswatini today. Although a few days late, the people of Eswatini still gave him a warm and enthusiastic welcome. He added that he will overcome all challenges with determination and effort, respond to unfair suppression with justice and rationality, and persevere for himself and every future generation of Taiwanese people.
Executive Yuan spokesperson Li Hui-chih conveyed through media groups that Premier Cho Jung-tai thanked Eswatini for its long-standing deep and firm friendship with the Republic of China (Taiwan), which allowed President Lai to successfully visit.
Cho Jung-tai pointed out that Taiwanese people have the right to go out into the world, and the world is opening its arms to welcome Taiwan. No amount of obstruction can stop Taiwan's determination to freely go out into the world, and it further strengthens Taiwan's confidence in working hand-in-hand with like-minded democratic partners.
Cho Jung-tai stated that the Republic of China (Taiwan) will surely continue to demonstrate steady diplomatic assertiveness, not retreat in the face of suppression, uphold democracy, continue to deepen relations with global democratic partners, actively participate in global affairs, continue to support the development of allied nations, and contribute to the international community.
In addition, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, who accompanied the President on his visit to Eswatini, also posted on Facebook in the evening, stating that he successfully and safely accompanied President Lai to the Kingdom of Eswatini for a state visit. It had been less than a week since he led a delegation as the President's special envoy to Eswatini and completed the task entrusted by President Lai, and he was once again in an allied nation.
Lin Chia-lung said that during this period, the diplomatic and national security teams and all relevant partners did not stop their efforts, prudently advancing various arrangements. He sincerely thanked H.M. King Mswati III and the Eswatini government for their support. During the upcoming visit, Taiwan's model of international cooperation and the concrete results of the "Rong Bang" project will be demonstrated through bilateral cooperation projects between Taiwan and Eswatini in areas such as economy, agriculture, ecological conservation, culture, and women's empowerment. (Editor: Lin Ke-lun) 1150502