King Mswati III urged SACU's five member states at the Cape Town summit to embrace economic transformation and modernize regional trade frameworks, as combined GDP grew 4.4 percent to R8.08 trillion in 2024, though smaller economies lag behind.
China’s influence in Africa is no longer just economic
KING LEAVES FOR AZERBAIJAN, INDIA AND UAE ENGAGEMENTS
China slams Taiwan's president as a "rat" over his visit to Eswatini, a country with formal diplomatic ties to Taiwan.
President Lai and King Mswati reaffirmed diplomatic ties during Lai's visit to Eswatini.
Taiwan's President William Lai Ching-te visited Eswatini, signing trade agreements despite China's attempts to block the trip.
President Lai arrives in Eswatini for an official visit, attending the king's birthday celebration.
China diplomatically isolated Taiwan in 2026 by persuading African nations to deny airspace to its president, demonstrating sophisticated soft power tactics that contrast sharply with Western military interventionism and effectively undermining Taiwan's claimed sovereignty.
Taiwan's President was blocked from visiting Eswatini in 2026 when three African nations denied overflight permission, exposing Taiwan's lack of international recognition despite economic strength and military capability, demonstrating China's effective diplomatic strategy over military force.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te canceled his trip to African ally Eswatini after Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked flight permits, marking the first documented instance of a Taiwanese leader canceling a foreign visit due to airspace denial, with Taiwan accusing Beijing of economic coercion.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te cancelled his Africa trip after China allegedly pressured Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar to revoke flight permits, marking the first time a Taiwanese president postponed overseas travel due to Chinese pressure.
At the 9th SACU Summit in Cape Town, King Mswati III urged member states to embrace economic transformation and modernize regional trade frameworks to remain competitive amid global challenges, as SACU's combined GDP reached R8.08 trillion in 2024.
Leaders spoke at WUF13 in Baku, praising Azerbaijan's organization and hospitality.
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te secretly flew to Africa, outmaneuvering China's attempts to isolate the island.
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te visits Eswatini, defying China's pressure.
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te defies China on a surprise trip to Eswatini, asserting Taiwan's sovereignty.
Chinese Taiwan leader visits Eswatini after China objections
“We Will Not Bow Our Head”: Taiwan Slams China’s Overflight Blockade as It Arms Up With Anti-Ship Missiles
Taiwan's KMT gets support from Beijing, while the DPP faces isolation and confrontation.
China's diplomatic efforts render Taiwan nearly invisible, as three African countries deny its president flight permission.
Taiwanese leader William Lai postpones Africa trip after three nations revoke overflight permission.
Global locations including Greenland, the Durand Line, Ethiopia's GERD dam, maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea, South China Sea, Ukraine, and Israel-Gaza remained significant in 2025-2026 due to geopolitical tensions, strategic trade routes, resource disputes, and military conflicts affecting international relations and global security.
President Ilham Aliyev meets with a delegation led by King Mswati III of Eswatini.
Trump's postponed China trip faces uncertainty amid US-China tensions over Iran sanctions, Taiwan military support, and conflicting US policy positions, while Taiwan fears reduced American backing if trade agreements are reached.
President William Lai visits Taiwan-funded projects in Eswatini, seeking increased investment.
Taiwan's President William Lai Ching-te visited Eswatini, signing trade agreements despite China's attempts to block the trip.
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te visits Eswatini, defying China's opposition.
Taiwan's foreign minister arrived in Eswatini after China allegedly pressured three African nations to revoke overflight permits, forcing cancellation of the president's historic diplomatic visit to one of Taiwan's twelve remaining allies.
China's diplomatic moves render Taiwan nearly invisible, as seen in denied flight permissions over African countries.
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te cancelled his African visit after Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked airspace permission under alleged Chinese pressure, marking the first time a Taiwanese leader cancelled an overseas presidential trip due to such coercion.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te cancels his Africa trip due to Chinese pressure.