Taiwan’s president remains resolute as he embarks on his trip to Eswatini; China labels him a ‘rat’
President Lai Ching-te asserted Taiwan’s right to interact with the global community, emphasizing that no nation can impede this engagement. His remarks were directed towards Eswatini’s king during a surprise visit, which Taipei claims was attempted to be thwarted by Beijing, who labeled him a “rat.”
China considers Taiwan, which is governed democratically, as part of its territory and asserts that it has no right to engage in state-to-state relations. This stance is firmly contested by Taiwan’s government, and Beijing has insisted that other countries cease any interactions with the island.
Last month, Taiwan reported that China had compelled three Indian Ocean nations to revoke overflight permission for Lai’s aircraft, which was en route to the small southern African kingdom of Eswatini to commemorate the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession. It is among just 12 countries that maintain formal ties with Taipei.
“The Republic of China, Taiwan, is a sovereign nation and a Taiwan that belongs to the world,” Lai told the king, referring to Taiwan’s official name, in comments provided by the presidential office on Sunday. “The 23 million people of Taiwan have the right to engage with the world, and no country has the right — nor should any country attempt — to prevent Taiwan from contributing to the world.”
Lai arrived in the former Swaziland, which is home to approximately 1.3 million people, on Saturday. This trip was not announced in advance by either government, and he traveled on an Eswatini government aircraft.
A senior Taiwan security official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, stated that the “arrive then announce” model is commonly employed in high-level international diplomacy to minimize the “uncertain risks of potential interference from external forces.”
Late Saturday, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office stated that Lai had “skulked” his way to Eswatini. “Lai Ching-te’s despicable conduct — akin to a rat scurrying across the street — will inevitably be met with ridicule by the international community,” a spokesperson remarked in a statement.
The Mainland Affairs Council, responsible for Taiwan’s China policy, stated that Lai does not require Beijing’s permission to travel anywhere. It further remarked, “The Taiwan Affairs Office’s comments are nothing more than tiresome gossip.”
Lai’s cancelled plans last month due to the overflight issue sparked criticism of China from the U.S., along with concern from the European Union, Britain, France, and Germany.
