Taiwan president defiant on visit to Eswatini; China calls him a 'rat'

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te arrived in Eswatini on Saturday for a surprise visit, despite China's attempts to stop him. Lai told Eswatini's King Mswati III that Taiwan is a sovereign nation and has the right to engage with the world. China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has demanded countries stop engaging with the island. Beijing had allegedly forced three Indian Ocean countries to revoke overflight permission for Lai's aircraft. China's Taiwan Affairs Office condemned Lai's visit, calling him a 'rat'. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council responded, saying Lai doesn't need Beijing's permission to travel.