Lai Ching-te has defended Taiwan’s global engagement during a visit to Eswatini, drawing sharp criticism from China.

Speaking after arriving for the 40th anniversary of Mswati III’s accession, Lai reaffirmed Taiwan’s sovereignty and its right to interact internationally.

He stated that Taiwan, formally known as the Republic of China, belongs to the global community and that its 23 million citizens have the right to engage freely without obstruction.

Taiwanese officials said the trip encountered disruption attempts, alleging that China pressured several Indian Ocean nations to block overflight access.

To avoid interference, Lai travelled aboard an Eswatini government aircraft using an “arrive then announce” approach, aimed at limiting external risks.

Taiwan Affairs Office condemned the visit, using strong language against Lai, while Mainland Affairs Council dismissed the criticism as irrelevant.

China maintains that Taiwan is part of its territory and opposes official interactions between Taipei and other nations, a stance Taiwan rejects.

Eswatini remains one of the few countries that still holds formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.