A spokesperson for China’s State Council Taiwan Affairs Office has strongly criticised Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te, describing him as a “troublemaker” following his recent visit to Eswatini.
The spokesperson, Chen Binhua, made the remarks on Saturday while responding to media inquiries about the trip, which he characterised as covert and politically motivated.
According to Chen, Lai maintains what Beijing views as a firm separatist stance advocating “Taiwan independence,” a position the mainland government consistently opposes. He further alleged that several countries declined to grant overflight clearance for Lai’s chartered aircraft, forcing alternative travel arrangements.
Chen claimed that Lai proceeded with the trip by boarding an Eswatini aircraft, despite ongoing domestic challenges in Taiwan, including the aftermath of a recent earthquake.
Reiterating Beijing’s long-standing position, the spokesperson said adherence to the one-China principle reflects what he described as a broad international consensus and an “irreversible historical trend.” He also dismissed Taiwan’s diplomatic engagements under Lai as lacking substance.
“The so-called diplomatic achievements are nothing more than superficial manoeuvres,” Chen said, adding that such efforts risk undermining stability across the Taiwan Strait.
China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and has repeatedly emphasised its goal of national reunification, while Taiwan maintains its own government and democratic system. Tensions between both sides have persisted, particularly amid increased political and diplomatic activity.
Chen concluded by stressing that what Beijing describes as the process of national reunification remains “unstoppable.”
