Taipei: Eswatini’s King Mswati III has pledged to strengthen diplomatic relations with Taiwan during a return visit to Taipei, highlighting the enduring partnership between the two sides as pressure from China to limit the island’s international ties.
King Mswati III is scheduled to attend Taiwan’s national day celebrations on October 10, 2026. Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is one of only 12 countries that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Most of Taiwan’s remaining diplomatic partners are in Latin America, the Caribbean and the Pacific.
Maintaining these partnerships remains a priority for Taiwan’s government. China claims the self-governed island as part of its territory and opposes its efforts to establish wider international recognition.
The king’s visit follows a diplomatic dispute in April, when Taiwan accused China of pressuring 3 African countries to deny overflight permission to President Lai Ching-te’s aircraft. The restrictions forced Lai to postpone a planned visit to Eswatini for celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of Mswati III’s accession to the throne.
Lai subsequently travelled to Eswatini in May using an approach in which the arrival was announced after the trip had begun. The visit went ahead despite China’s objections.
During the current visit, Mswati III has reiterated Eswatini’s support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations (UN). Taiwan is not a member of the organisation because of Beijing’s objections.
The April incident marked the first time a Taiwanese president had cancelled an entire foreign trip because of denied airspace access. The episode raised concerns about efforts to restrict Taiwan’s international engagement. The United States, the European Union and Britain expressed concern at the time.
Lai’s return journey to Taipei in May also highlighted the dispute. The president travelled aboard the king’s private Airbus A340, taking a route that skirted airspace controlled by Mauritius and Madagascar.
Taiwan had identified both countries among those allegedly pressured by China to deny overflight access. China condemned Eswatini’s leadership in May over the arrangement, accusing the country of benefiting from Taiwan’s support.
Mswati III’s latest pledge signals Eswatini’s intention to maintain its relationship with Taiwan despite the diplomatic pressure. The partnership remains significant for Taipei as the island seeks to preserve its limited network of formal diplomatic allies.
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