Taiwan's President William Lai Ching-te is set to embark on a historic diplomatic mission to Eswatini, a small African nation that has long been a key ally to the self-ruled island. Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is one of just a handful of countries worldwide to recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state, rather than the People's Republic of China. The visit is expected to further strengthen ties between the two nations, with Eswatini's King Mswati III and President Lai likely to discuss trade, security, and other areas of cooperation. The trip is also seen as a significant boost for Taiwan's international standing, as it seeks to expand its diplomatic presence and challenge China's growing influence on the global stage.


Taiwan’s leader William Lai Ching-te is visiting Eswatini, the only country in Africa that recognises Taiwan.