Mbabane : Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has publicly condemned what he described as coercive actions by China following the abrupt cancellation of his planned visit to Eswatini.
In a post shared on his official social media account on April 21, Lai said several countries along his intended flight route had “abruptly revoked overflight clearance under pressure from China” ahead of the trip.
“China’s coercive actions undermine the status quo, once again exposing the risks authoritarian regimes pose to the international order,” he wrote.
The remarks come after Taiwan’s Presidential Office announced that the visit had been postponed due to flight permit issues and security considerations, according to Taiwan-based reports.
Lai further stressed that external pressure would not deter Taiwan from engaging with the international community.
“No amount of threats or coercion will shake Taiwan’s resolve to engage with the world or diminish our contributions to the global community,” he stated.
He added that Taiwan remains committed to strengthening ties with “like-minded partners” despite mounting pressure.
“Our determination to build friendships around the world… remains steadfast despite external pressure,” Lai said.
The post marks Lai’s first personal comments since the cancellation of the trip, which had been scheduled to take place from April 22 to 26.
Taiwan had planned to send a delegation led by Lai to attend Eswatini’s national “Double Celebration” events, but will now be represented by a special envoy instead, according to earlier statements from the Presidential Office.
The developments have drawn attention amid ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan over the island’s international engagements.
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