Eswatini sends special plane to pick up President Lai, overseas Chinese praise high regard for Taiwan
President Lai Ching-te's successful visit to Eswatini, facilitated by a special plane sent by the King, deeply moved local overseas Chinese, who praised Eswatini's high regard for Taiwan and the deepening of bilateral friendship.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 4, 2026 at 11:38
- 🔍 Collected: May 4, 2026 at 12:01 (23 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 4, 2026 at 12:05 (3 min after Collected)
（Central News Agency reporter Li Yi-hsuan, Ezulwini, 4th）President Lai Ching-te successfully visited African ally Eswatini. Local overseas Chinese interviewed by CNA stated that President Lai's arrival despite difficulties deeply moved many Eswatini citizens. The King specifically sent a special plane to pick up President Lai, showing great importance attached to Taiwan.
President Lai is currently on a state visit to Eswatini. Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commissioner Liu Shu-kai, interviewed by CNA, said that the previous presidential visit was forced to be canceled, and a presidential envoy, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, attended King Mswati III's birthday and coronation anniversary celebration instead. "This time, the King specially arranged a special plane for the President to fly over, specifically to host President Lai, which shows that Eswatini strongly supports Taiwan."
Liu Shu-kai pointed out that Eswatini is a country that values relationships. When the previous presidential visit was forced to be canceled, both Taiwanese expatriates and Eswatini officials and citizens were very disappointed. However, seeing that presidential envoy Lin Chia-lung still managed to arrive, Eswatini people were very touched, feeling that Taiwan is very hardworking and dedicated, which in turn strengthened the friendship between Eswatini and Taiwan.
Liu Shu-kai said, "The President also specially recorded a video to be played at the state banquet. After watching it, the Eswatini friends present all came to me to say 'Go Taiwan!' I feel they are like my family; although everyone expressed disappointment, everyone said encouraging words."
She said that although there are only over 100 Taiwanese expatriates in Eswatini, they are very united and have close ties. "Every time the President comes, everyone is happy to participate and welcome him together."
Liu Shu-kai stated that although this presidential visit was kept highly confidential beforehand, many expatriates could not participate. However, everyone felt that Eswatini highly values Taiwan as a friend. After the President successfully arrived, the King was also very happy, and the atmosphere was harmonious, deepening the diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Eswatini. (Editor: Chen Hui-ping) 1150504
President Lai is currently on a state visit to Eswatini. Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commissioner Liu Shu-kai, interviewed by CNA, said that the previous presidential visit was forced to be canceled, and a presidential envoy, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, attended King Mswati III's birthday and coronation anniversary celebration instead. "This time, the King specially arranged a special plane for the President to fly over, specifically to host President Lai, which shows that Eswatini strongly supports Taiwan."
Liu Shu-kai pointed out that Eswatini is a country that values relationships. When the previous presidential visit was forced to be canceled, both Taiwanese expatriates and Eswatini officials and citizens were very disappointed. However, seeing that presidential envoy Lin Chia-lung still managed to arrive, Eswatini people were very touched, feeling that Taiwan is very hardworking and dedicated, which in turn strengthened the friendship between Eswatini and Taiwan.
Liu Shu-kai said, "The President also specially recorded a video to be played at the state banquet. After watching it, the Eswatini friends present all came to me to say 'Go Taiwan!' I feel they are like my family; although everyone expressed disappointment, everyone said encouraging words."
She said that although there are only over 100 Taiwanese expatriates in Eswatini, they are very united and have close ties. "Every time the President comes, everyone is happy to participate and welcome him together."
Liu Shu-kai stated that although this presidential visit was kept highly confidential beforehand, many expatriates could not participate. However, everyone felt that Eswatini highly values Taiwan as a friend. After the President successfully arrived, the King was also very happy, and the atmosphere was harmonious, deepening the diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Eswatini. (Editor: Chen Hui-ping) 1150504