Mbabane: A fresh diplomatic spat has erupted between China and Taiwan ahead of Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te’s planned visit to Eswatini later this month, with both sides trading sharp statements over the trip.
According to a report by China Daily, China moved first, with Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, reiterating Beijing’s firm adherence to the “one-China principle.” Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Chen warned against any attempts to promote “Taiwan independence” or create “two Chinas” on the international stage.
He further urged countries involved to “stand on the right side of history” and correct what he described as erroneous policies remarks clearly directed at Eswatini, which remains Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Africa, a relationship dating back to 1968.
However, Taiwan hit back strongly in a statement issued by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, condemning Beijing’s remarks as baseless and unacceptable. The ministry defended the visit as both legitimate and routine for a sovereign leader.
“We strongly condemn the baseless remarks from the PRC regarding President Lai Ching-te’s upcoming visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini,” the ministry said, adding that China has “no say in Taiwan’s international relations.”
Taiwan’s response underscores its position that it operates as a sovereign state, free to conduct its own diplomatic engagements, including high-level visits such as Lai’s scheduled trip from April 22 to 26, as previously announced by his office.
The exchange, drawn from China Daily reporting and Taiwan’s official response, highlights deepening tensions between Beijing and Taipei, with Eswatini once again caught in the geopolitical crossfire ahead of the high-stakes visit.
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