President Lai visits Eswatini, French media describes breakthrough as 'Mission: Impossible'
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te concluded his visit to Eswatini and returned to Taiwan. French media described the action as a 'Mission: Impossible,' analyzing China's soft and hard tactics towards Taiwan and its impact on the international community.
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- 📰 Published: May 6, 2026 at 07:24
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Central News Agency (CNA) Correspondent Tseng Yi-hsuan, Paris, May 5 (Special Report) - President Lai Ching-te concluded his visit to Eswatini and returned to Taiwan. French media described this action as a 'Mission: Impossible'; a veteran journalist said that China uses both soft and hard tactics against Taiwan, both hindering Taiwan's normal operations and engaging with Taiwan's opposition parties.
Le Parisien reported with the headline "David vs. Goliath: How Eswatini, one of Africa's smallest nations, Resists China," covering how this Taiwanese ally supported President Lai in breaking through obstacles to complete his visit.
The report described that in this high-stakes diplomatic action, President Lai's visit to Eswatini challenged Beijing, and the low-key, cautious operation highlighted the escalating tensions between China and its few opponents, with a plot resembling the movie "Mission: Impossible."
Pierre Haski, President of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), said on a Radio France program that it is still necessary to discuss this matter amidst global wars and crises, as President Lai's visit is highly significant.
He stated that President Lai's original schedule to depart at the end of April was delayed due to China's pressure on several countries to prohibit his special plane from flying over, but President Lai ultimately succeeded in reaching Eswatini. Beyond this incident, China's strategy towards Taiwan is particularly noteworthy.
Haski said: "China intervenes on many levels, making Taiwan's situation difficult. Its 'checkbook diplomacy' has led to a significant reduction in countries recognizing Taiwan, and its frequent military exercises infringe upon the sovereignty of a country that China does not consider a country; Beijing also strives to divide Taiwanese people. The only goal is: unification."
The host asked if China might attack Taiwan in the current context. Haski said this question has sparked much speculation; first, many are wondering if the US getting bogged down in a war with Iran would give China a good opportunity? Second, US strategists have also estimated in recent years that the Chinese military might be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027.
However, Haski believes that this situation is unlikely to happen in the short term. Invading Taiwan is not that simple. Even if the US is currently under President Trump's administration, the attitudes of the US and Japan still indicate that a conflict in the Taiwan Strait could escalate into an international conflict. Given Taiwan's position in semiconductor production, if a conflict were to occur, the global economy would suffer a huge impact.
He pointed out that for China, the best option is to wait for the right time to take Taiwan. To this end, China uses both soft and hard tactics: on the one hand, it hinders Taiwan's normal operation as a country and launches information warfare in Taiwan, while intimidating other countries; on the other hand, Chinese President Xi Jinping recently met with Kuomintang Chairman Cheng Li-wen in Beijing, the first such meeting in 10 years, symbolically weakening the unity of Taiwanese people in the face of the Chinese Communist Party.
Haski mentioned that Taiwan will hold its presidential election in 2028, and China will spare no effort to ensure the Kuomintang wins through improper means; at this stage, China's strategy is to show that without Beijing's nod, Taiwan cannot operate normally. However, despite China's pressure, President Lai ultimately succeeded in visiting Eswatini this time. President Lai was originally scheduled to visit Eswatini on April 22 this year, but the trip was delayed due to Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar canceling flight permits. President Lai then changed his schedule and arrived in Eswatini on May 2 aboard the King of Eswatini's special plane for a state visit, returning to Taiwan on May 5. (Editor: Hung Chi-yuan) 1150506
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Le Parisien reported with the headline "David vs. Goliath: How Eswatini, one of Africa's smallest nations, Resists China," covering how this Taiwanese ally supported President Lai in breaking through obstacles to complete his visit.
The report described that in this high-stakes diplomatic action, President Lai's visit to Eswatini challenged Beijing, and the low-key, cautious operation highlighted the escalating tensions between China and its few opponents, with a plot resembling the movie "Mission: Impossible."
Pierre Haski, President of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), said on a Radio France program that it is still necessary to discuss this matter amidst global wars and crises, as President Lai's visit is highly significant.
He stated that President Lai's original schedule to depart at the end of April was delayed due to China's pressure on several countries to prohibit his special plane from flying over, but President Lai ultimately succeeded in reaching Eswatini. Beyond this incident, China's strategy towards Taiwan is particularly noteworthy.
Haski said: "China intervenes on many levels, making Taiwan's situation difficult. Its 'checkbook diplomacy' has led to a significant reduction in countries recognizing Taiwan, and its frequent military exercises infringe upon the sovereignty of a country that China does not consider a country; Beijing also strives to divide Taiwanese people. The only goal is: unification."
The host asked if China might attack Taiwan in the current context. Haski said this question has sparked much speculation; first, many are wondering if the US getting bogged down in a war with Iran would give China a good opportunity? Second, US strategists have also estimated in recent years that the Chinese military might be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027.
However, Haski believes that this situation is unlikely to happen in the short term. Invading Taiwan is not that simple. Even if the US is currently under President Trump's administration, the attitudes of the US and Japan still indicate that a conflict in the Taiwan Strait could escalate into an international conflict. Given Taiwan's position in semiconductor production, if a conflict were to occur, the global economy would suffer a huge impact.
He pointed out that for China, the best option is to wait for the right time to take Taiwan. To this end, China uses both soft and hard tactics: on the one hand, it hinders Taiwan's normal operation as a country and launches information warfare in Taiwan, while intimidating other countries; on the other hand, Chinese President Xi Jinping recently met with Kuomintang Chairman Cheng Li-wen in Beijing, the first such meeting in 10 years, symbolically weakening the unity of Taiwanese people in the face of the Chinese Communist Party.
Haski mentioned that Taiwan will hold its presidential election in 2028, and China will spare no effort to ensure the Kuomintang wins through improper means; at this stage, China's strategy is to show that without Beijing's nod, Taiwan cannot operate normally. However, despite China's pressure, President Lai ultimately succeeded in visiting Eswatini this time. President Lai was originally scheduled to visit Eswatini on April 22 this year, but the trip was delayed due to Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar canceling flight permits. President Lai then changed his schedule and arrived in Eswatini on May 2 aboard the King of Eswatini's special plane for a state visit, returning to Taiwan on May 5. (Editor: Hung Chi-yuan) 1150506
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
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The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.