TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The US State Department on Sunday described Taiwan as a “trusted and capable” partner as President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) arrived in Eswatini for a state visit, despite earlier denials of permission for overflight.

Lai made a surprise visit on Saturday after China allegedly pressured Madagascar, Seychelles, and Mauritius to block his flight last month, per CNA. The Presidential Office said the trip will focus on three pillars, including shared security, shared economic prosperity, and shared digital development, to strengthen bilateral ties.

A US State Department spokesperson told CNA that, “Taiwan ​is a trusted and capable partner of the United States and many others.” The official said that Taiwan’s relationships with countries around the world bring significant benefits to their citizens, including those in Eswatini.

The spokesperson added that every democratically elected Taiwanese president has traveled abroad to visit the country’s diplomatic allies. This included trips by former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), who visited Eswatini in 2023 and 2018. 

“This travel is routine and should not be politicized,” the official told CNA.