President Breaks Through for State Visit; Tong Zi-wei Praises Perseverance, Xie Guo-liang Hopes for Broader Diplomacy
President Lai Ching-te''s visit to the African ally Eswatini was praised by DPP Keelung mayoral candidate Tong Zi-wei as a breakthrough against China''s pressure, while Keelung Mayor Xie Guo-liang expressed hope for expanded diplomatic space for the country.
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- 📰 Published: May 3, 2026 at 13:51
- 🔍 Collected: May 3, 2026 at 14:01 (10 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 3, 2026 at 14:06 (5 min after Collected)
Central News Agency (CNA) Keelung, May 3 – President Lai Ching-te has arrived in the African ally Eswatini to begin a state visit. Tong Zi-wei, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate for Keelung Mayor, stated today that President Lai''s successful breakthrough of China''s suppression represents the ''never-give-up'' spirit of the Taiwanese people. Keelung Mayor Xie Guo-liang expressed his hope for broader diplomatic space for the Republic of China.
Speaking in Keelung this morning, Tong Zi-wei said that President Lai''s ability to overcome China''s pressure and arrive smoothly in Eswatini is heartening for all Taiwanese, symbolizing their resilient spirit. Tong emphasized that Taiwan must go global and connect with the world, expressing gratitude to allies for their assistance. He compared the situation to sports, noting that Taiwan often faces suppression but never gives up, much like the baseball team that won the 2024 WBSC Premier12 championship. ''Let''s keep working together, maritime spirit,'' he added.
Xie Guo-liang stated through a text message that he respects the arrangements for the President''s visit and hopes for wider diplomatic space for the Republic of China.
Upon his arrival in Eswatini, President Lai held a meeting today with King Mswati III. The Government of Eswatini posted on Facebook that during the bilateral meeting, President Lai and King Mswati III jointly witnessed the signing of a ''Joint Communiqué.'' (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 20260503
Speaking in Keelung this morning, Tong Zi-wei said that President Lai''s ability to overcome China''s pressure and arrive smoothly in Eswatini is heartening for all Taiwanese, symbolizing their resilient spirit. Tong emphasized that Taiwan must go global and connect with the world, expressing gratitude to allies for their assistance. He compared the situation to sports, noting that Taiwan often faces suppression but never gives up, much like the baseball team that won the 2024 WBSC Premier12 championship. ''Let''s keep working together, maritime spirit,'' he added.
Xie Guo-liang stated through a text message that he respects the arrangements for the President''s visit and hopes for wider diplomatic space for the Republic of China.
Upon his arrival in Eswatini, President Lai held a meeting today with King Mswati III. The Government of Eswatini posted on Facebook that during the bilateral meeting, President Lai and King Mswati III jointly witnessed the signing of a ''Joint Communiqué.'' (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 20260503