King Mswati III of Eswatini recently visited Taiwan to participate in the nation’s National Day celebrations. This visit marked another instance of the Lai administration extending a formal welcome to the monarch, who rules Africa’s last absolute monarchy, Eswatini. The gesture has drawn scrutiny, given King Mswati III’s authoritarian leadership. Eswatini remains one of Taiwan’s staunchest diplomatic allies. This ongoing relationship is strategically important for Taiwan, particularly in the face of increasing pressure from the People’s Republic of China. The visit underscores the complex geopolitical considerations influencing Taiwan’s foreign policy and its relationships with international partners. Despite criticism regarding Eswatini’s human rights record under King Mswati III, Taiwan continues to prioritize the diplomatic benefits of this alliance.