Taiwan President Lai's Eswatini Visit Defies Beijing

Taiwan President Lai Ching‑te conducted a surprise visit to Eswatini, one of 12 diplomatic allies, using an “arrive‑then‑announce” approach.
Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office condemned the trip, calling it "skulking" and "despicable", likening it to a rat scurrying across the street.
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council rejected Beijing's criticism, stating the president needs no permission for international diplomacy and dismissing remarks as "fishwife’s gutter talk".
The trip used an Eswatini aircraft; a Taiwan security official said the “arrive‑then‑announce” tactic mitigates interference after China blocked overflight rights.