China Responds to Cancellation of Taiwan Leader’s Eswatini Visit

Apr 22, 2026 at 11:34 AM

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Lanka Leader

China’s Foreign Ministry has commented on reports that Lai Ching-te, leader of Taiwan’s authorities, has postponed a planned visit to Eswatini, rejecting claims that the decision was due to pressure from Beijing.

At a regular press briefing, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasized that all African nations—except Eswatini—have established diplomatic relations with China. The spokesperson noted that these 53 countries, along with the African Union, reaffirmed their commitment to the one-China principle in the Beijing Declaration adopted during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit.

According to the ministry, the declaration reiterates that there is only one China in the world, Taiwan is an inseparable part of its territory, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate authority representing the whole country. Beijing also commended African nations for what it described as their consistent adherence to international law and established norms in supporting this position.

Responding to remarks from Taiwan authorities, the spokesperson dismissed the notion of a “Republic of China president,” stating that such claims run counter to historical and political realities. The ministry further stressed that efforts advocating “Taiwan independence” are destined to fail, asserting that national reunification is an inevitable outcome.

The spokesperson concluded by reiterating that the one-China principle reflects prevailing global consensus and cannot be altered by individual political actions.