Four Taiwanese Air Force F-16 fighter jets escorted President Lai Ching-te back to Taiwan on Tuesday after he concluded a state visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini, returning aboard King Mswati III’s personal Airbus A340 aircraft.
Lai arrived at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport at around 10:40 a.m. Tuesday after a roughly 16-hour flight. National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu posted a video to X of the four F-16 fighters, filmed from inside King Mswati III’s plane. “The jets escorted Lai home from his trip to Eswatini,” Wu wrote, concluding with the words “Mission accomplished.”
The visit, which ran from May 2 to 4, was conducted under tight secrecy. To avoid obstruction from China, Lai and his government officials travelled to Eswatini aboard the Swazi king’s aircraft, with an “arrive then announce” approach adopted, meaning the trip was only disclosed publicly after the delegation had already landed in the Kingdom. 
King Mswati III had earlier sent Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla to Taiwan aboard the same Airbus A340, with Dladla accompanying the Taiwanese delegation throughout the journey to ensure a smooth and successful visit.
Speaking on his return at Taoyuan International Airport, Lai said “The Republic of China, Taiwan, has proven through its actions that national power is demonstrated not through subordinating others, but through bringing happiness to all.” He added, “Taiwanese people are citizens of the world. Taiwanese people have the right to engage with the world. We will not retreat in the face of suppression.”
Lai also posted a video on Threads simply saying “We’re back.” Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim shared the post, noting that everything Taiwan does internationally is more difficult than for others, but that despite the challenges, Taiwan must continue to engage with the world.
Before departing Eswatini, Lai expressed gratitude to King Mswati III, the Eswatini government and the Emaswati people for their warmth and steadfast support, describing the bond between the two nations as exceptionally close despite the great distance separating them.
