President Lai Ching-te Visits the Kingdom of Eswatini

May 4, 2026, 03:31
AfricaInternational

Introduction

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has finished a diplomatic visit to Eswatini, which is Taiwan's only remaining diplomatic partner in Africa, after solving several travel problems.

Main Body

The visit was originally delayed after Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar cancelled flight permits for the presidential plane. Taiwan believes this happened because of pressure from the People's Republic of China (PRC). Consequently, President Lai eventually arrived using a private plane provided by King Mswati III, accompanied by his Foreign Minister and a National Security Council Adviser. During the trip, President Lai held meetings with King Mswati III and visited Queen Mother Indlovukazi Ntombi Tfwala. He also inspected important projects, such as the Ezulwini Palazzo convention center and a Taiwanese-funded oil storage facility. These activities aimed to help local workers join global supply chains and improve energy security. Furthermore, the two countries signed a customs agreement to increase economic cooperation. Different countries reacted to the visit in different ways. The PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed the visit was useless and removed tariffs for all African nations except Eswatini. In contrast, the United States State Department emphasized that such visits are routine for democratically elected Taiwanese presidents. President Lai asserted that the trip showed Taiwan's determination to stay active internationally despite external pressure.

Conclusion

President Lai has strengthened the relationship between Taiwan and Eswatini through new agreements and project reviews, even though the PRC strongly opposed the visit.

Learning

⚡ The 'Logic Link' Upgrade

At the A2 level, we often use simple words like And, But, and So. To reach B2, you need Connecting Words that show complex relationships between ideas. This article is a goldmine for this transition.

🔗 The 'Cause & Effect' Chain

Instead of saying "So," the text uses Consequently.

  • A2 style: The flights were cancelled, so he used a private plane.
  • B2 style: The flights were cancelled; consequently, President Lai arrived using a private plane.

⚖️ The 'Contrast' Pivot

When two ideas fight each other, B2 speakers use In contrast or Despite to create a sophisticated balance.

  • The Pivot: "In contrast, the United States State Department emphasized..."

    • Why it works: It tells the reader: "Stop looking at China's opinion; now look at the opposite view."

  • The Wall: "...despite external pressure."

    • Why it works: "Despite" acts like a wall. No matter how big the pressure was, the action still happened. It is much stronger than saying "but."

🚀 The 'Addition' Boost

To add information without repeating "Also," the text uses Furthermore.

"Furthermore, the two countries signed a customs agreement..."

Quick Guide for your transition:

Instead of...Try using...Effect
SoConsequentlySounds professional/logical
ButIn contrastHighlights a clear difference
AlsoFurthermoreAdds a serious, formal point

Vocabulary Learning

diplomatic (adj.)
relating to diplomacy or the conduct of relations between countries
Example:The diplomatic visit helped improve relations between Taiwan and Eswatini.
cancelled (v.)
to decide that a planned event will not happen
Example:The flight permits were cancelled by Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar.
pressure (n.)
force or influence that pushes someone to act
Example:The president believed the delay was due to pressure from China.
accompanied (v.)
to go with someone as a companion
Example:He was accompanied by his Foreign Minister during the trip.
inspected (v.)
to look at carefully to check condition
Example:President Lai inspected the oil storage facility.
convention (n.)
a large meeting or conference for discussion
Example:The Ezulwini Palazzo hosts a convention center.
facility (n.)
a building or place for a particular purpose
Example:The Taiwanese-funded oil storage facility is crucial for logistics.
supply (n.)
the amount of goods or services that are available
Example:The projects aim to help workers join global supply chains.
security (n.)
the state of being safe from danger
Example:Energy security is a priority for the region.
tariff (n.)
a tax added to goods when they are imported or exported
Example:The PRC removed tariffs for all African nations except Eswatini.
routine (adj.)
something that is done regularly as part of a normal schedule
Example:Such visits are routine for democratically elected presidents.
determination (n.)
the quality of being resolute and persistent
Example:The trip showed Taiwan's determination to stay active internationally.
opposed (adj.)
against or not in favor of
Example:The PRC strongly opposed the visit.
strengthened (v.)
to make something stronger or more effective
Example:President Lai strengthened the relationship between Taiwan and Eswatini.