经过一番波折，台湾总统赖清德于刚过去的周末（5月2日），在事前未公开行程的情况下，搭乘斯威士兰（Eswatini，台湾称史瓦帝尼）副总理的返国专机，抵达该国进行访问。

斯威士兰是承认“中华民国”国家地位的12个邦交国之一。赖清德原定于4月22日搭乘专机出访，出席斯威士兰国王加冕40周年庆典，但因专机航线必须途经的塞舌尔、模里西斯及马达加斯加临时取消飞行许可，导致行程暂缓。台湾官方表示，上述三国是受到了北京的施压。

赖清德最终抵达目的地并强调“台湾有权利走向世界”。针对此次改变方式的出访，台湾官方将其定调为“外交突破”，而中国大陆方面则批评此举为“偷渡”与“窜访”，大陆评论人胡锡进更形容他是“越狱”。

这次成功出访，算是台湾的一次外交突破，还是预示台湾面临更严峻的国际空间限缩？赖清德的返程路线将面临哪些现实挑战？此事又将如何影响即将登场的中美元首峰会？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与台湾政治大学兼任教授严震生，以及《联合早报》驻台北记者缪宗翰为您深度解析。

延伸阅读：

• 胡锡进：赖清德以令人瞠目结舌方式从台湾越狱 
• 赖清德从斯威士兰返台经过五国上空 包括印马菲 

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has completed a closely watched visit to Eswatini, the island’s only remaining diplomatic ally in Africa, underscoring Taipei’s shrinking international space amid pressure from Beijing.

The trip, tied to celebrations marking King Mswati III’s 40th year on the throne, also drew sharp criticism from China, which derided it as a “stowaway-style” visit. Travel arrangements were reportedly complicated by airspace constraints, which Taiwan attributed to external pressure by China, though details remain unclear.

During the visit, Lai met King Mswati III, reaffirmed bilateral ties, and witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements. He emphasised Taiwan’s determination to maintain its international presence despite diplomatic isolation.

China reiterated its opposition to any official exchanges with Taiwan, while the United States expressed support for Taiwan’s international engagement. The episode highlights how Taiwan’s limited diplomatic relationships are increasingly shaped by broader geopolitical tensions.

Join host Han Yonghong with Yen Chen-shen, Adjunct Professor at National Chengchi University, and Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zong-Han Miaw as they examine what Lai’s African trip signals for Taiwan’s global standing.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.