From Plank Canoes to State Banquet Tea, President Lai's Visit to Eswatini Showcases Taiwanese Cultural Characteristics
President Lai Ching-te visited Eswatini, presenting traditional cattle and gifts showcasing Taiwanese cultural characteristics, such as a model of a plank boat from the Tao tribe of Lanyu and state banquet tea. This visit highlighted the friendly relations between the two countries and Taiwan's diverse culture.
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- 📰 Published: May 3, 2026 at 15:55
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporters Yeh Su-ping, Wen Kuei-hsiang, Taipei, 3rd) President Lai Ching-te visited Eswatini. Presidential Office spokesperson Kuo Ya-hui stated that the President prepared five cattle to present to the King of Eswatini and three cattle to the Queen Mother, demonstrating respect for Eswatini's traditional customs. The gifts also included a model of a plank boat from the Tao tribe of Lanyu, as well as state banquet tea and other gifts featuring Taiwanese characteristics.
President Lai visited Eswatini and, on the afternoon of the 2nd local time (evening of the same day in Taipei), went to the Mandvulo International Convention Centre to participate in a military honors welcoming ceremony, a meeting between the two heads of state, and a gift exchange.
Kuo Ya-hui said in an interview that President Lai's trip prepared five cattle for the King of Eswatini and three cattle for the Queen Mother, demonstrating respect for Eswatini's traditional customs and symbolizing the deep friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini.
Eswatini is an agricultural and pastoral nation, and cattle symbolize wealth in Eswatini's culture, used for important occasions such as land exchange, marriage, and as precious gifts for respected elders during major festivals. Traditionally, cattle are considered the most valuable and sincere gift; during weddings, the groom's side also presents cattle as a betrothal gift.
Furthermore, because cattle can continuously reproduce, presenting cattle not only symbolizes blessings for prosperity but also represents the everlasting and continuous friendship between both sides. Recipients sometimes name the cattle, and whenever they see the cattle in the future, they will remember the giver's intent and commemorate their friendship.
Sources familiar with the matter stated that whenever previous Taiwanese presidents and ministers visited Eswatini, they would follow local customs to present cattle. Generally, when presenting to the King, a presidential-level official would give five cattle, while a ministerial-level official would give three cattle.
In addition to cattle, the gifts President Lai presented to the King of Eswatini included a model of a plank boat from the Tao tribe of Lanyu, as well as gifts with Taiwanese characteristics, imagery, and diverse cultures, such as state banquet tea, an Atayal woven shawl, Taipei 101 stacking cups, and Taitung Luye tea, which won a gold award in the World Green Tea Competition and was served at the 2024 state banquet.
As for the plank boat, it is an important tool for fishing, hunting, and transportation for the Tao people, and a symbol of strength, wisdom, and glory. The totems on the boat contain deep blessings, and the "eyes of the boat" carved on the bow and stern resemble radiating sunlight, signifying guidance. During the gift-giving process, the President also personally introduced this gift full of strength and beauty to the King of Eswatini.
The Atayal woven shawl presented to the Queen Mother showcases the beauty of Taiwan's indigenous culture and traditional craftsmanship through a meticulously replicated Atayal weaving pattern from a century ago. The Taipei 101 stacking cup gift for Eswatini's ministers presents the unique eight-story architectural design of Taipei 101, displaying distinct layers and sleek lines with warm white, showcasing a clear Taiwanese image and modern design sensibility.
Kuo Ya-hui stated that the various gifts prepared by President Lai for this trip convey deep blessings to the King, Queen Mother, and all the people of Eswatini, and also demonstrate Taiwan's diverse cultural characteristics and rich humanistic heritage through elements such as cattle, plank boats, tea, crafts, and indigenous textiles. (Editor: Lin Ke-Lun) 1150503
(Central News Agency reporters Yeh Su-ping, Wen Kuei-hsiang, Taipei, 3rd) President Lai Ching-te visited Eswatini. Presidential Office spokesperson Kuo Ya-hui stated that the President prepared five cattle to present to the King of Eswatini and three cattle to the Queen Mother, demonstrating respect for Eswatini's traditional customs. The gifts also included a model of a plank boat from the Tao tribe of Lanyu, as well as state banquet tea and other gifts featuring Taiwanese characteristics.
President Lai visited Eswatini and, on the afternoon of the 2nd local time (evening of the same day in Taipei), went to the Mandvulo International Convention Centre to participate in a military honors welcoming ceremony, a meeting between the two heads of state, and a gift exchange.
Kuo Ya-hui said in an interview that President Lai's trip prepared five cattle for the King of Eswatini and three cattle for the Queen Mother, demonstrating respect for Eswatini's traditional customs and symbolizing the deep friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini.
Eswatini is an agricultural and pastoral nation, and cattle symbolize wealth in Eswatini's culture, used for important occasions such as land exchange, marriage, and as precious gifts for respected elders during major festivals. Traditionally, cattle are considered the most valuable and sincere gift; during weddings, the groom's side also presents cattle as a betrothal gift.
Furthermore, because cattle can continuously reproduce, presenting cattle not only symbolizes blessings for prosperity but also represents the everlasting and continuous friendship between both sides. Recipients sometimes name the cattle, and whenever they see the cattle in the future, they will remember the giver's intent and commemorate their friendship.
Sources familiar with the matter stated that whenever previous Taiwanese presidents and ministers visited Eswatini, they would follow local customs to present cattle. Generally, when presenting to the King, a presidential-level official would give five cattle, while a ministerial-level official would give three cattle.
In addition to cattle, the gifts President Lai presented to the King of Eswatini included a model of a plank boat from the Tao tribe of Lanyu, as well as gifts with Taiwanese characteristics, imagery, and diverse cultures, such as state banquet tea, an Atayal woven shawl, Taipei 101 stacking cups, and Taitung Luye tea, which won a gold award in the World Green Tea Competition and was served at the 2024 state banquet.
As for the plank boat, it is an important tool for fishing, hunting, and transportation for the Tao people, and a symbol of strength, wisdom, and glory. The totems on the boat contain deep blessings, and the "eyes of the boat" carved on the bow and stern resemble radiating sunlight, signifying guidance. During the gift-giving process, the President also personally introduced this gift full of strength and beauty to the King of Eswatini.
The Atayal woven shawl presented to the Queen Mother showcases the beauty of Taiwan's indigenous culture and traditional craftsmanship through a meticulously replicated Atayal weaving pattern from a century ago. The Taipei 101 stacking cup gift for Eswatini's ministers presents the unique eight-story architectural design of Taipei 101, displaying distinct layers and sleek lines with warm white, showcasing a clear Taiwanese image and modern design sensibility.
Kuo Ya-hui stated that the various gifts prepared by President Lai for this trip convey deep blessings to the King, Queen Mother, and all the people of Eswatini, and also demonstrate Taiwan's diverse cultural characteristics and rich humanistic heritage through elements such as cattle, plank boats, tea, crafts, and indigenous textiles. (Editor: Lin Ke-Lun) 1150503