Taiwan won't give in to pressure, president says on return from Eswatini

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan will not give in to pressure after returning from a state visit to Eswatini, underscoring the island's disputes with Beijing over its international space.

Taiwan's presidential office said Lai should not be deterred by pressure and has the right to engage with the world. Reuters reported that he said Taiwan would not give in to pressure after taking a circuitous route home.

Taipei says the trip was delayed after Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar denied overflight permissions. AP reported that Lai described state visits as a basic right after what his government said was an attempt to block the visit.

China's foreign ministry again reiterated its one-China position and criticized the trip.

The episode highlights how Taiwan's diplomatic ties and travel routes remain vulnerable to pressure from Beijing and from governments that maintain close relations with China. No additional official response was immediately reported after Lai's return.

What remains unclear is whether Taipei will release more detail on the route used for the flight home or whether any further governments will comment on the overflight denials.