TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's security agencies have traced a disinformation campaign targeting President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) upcoming Africa visit to pro-China media and accounts using offshore proxy servers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said. The disclosure came as more than 40 African political figures from 11 countries publicly welcomed the trip ahead of his Wednesday (April 22) departure for Eswatini.
A fabricated corruption story about Taiwan's ambassador to Eswatini appeared in a South African outlet on April 16 and was amplified on Taiwanese online forums within hours, according to security officials. The MOFA immediately rejected the claims and identified the source as a media outlet that has received long-term Chinese funding and has published false reports unfavorable to Taiwan.
One account identified in the investigation had previously posted narratives aligned with Beijing's messaging, including claims that Taiwan's military reservists would be "cannon fodder" and that emigration numbers had surged. Security agencies traced the posts to accounts using offshore proxy servers commonly used to disguise the origin of coordinated information operations, officials said. Officials described the campaign as a wave of Chinese "cognitive warfare" that followed shortly after the announcement of Lai's trip.
But while the disinformation was spreading, Somaliland's Foreign Ministry posted a message on the social media platform X on April 19 congratulating Lai, with Taiwan's flag prominently displayed alongside Somaliland's flag. The post stated that Somaliland "extends its sincere congratulations" to Lai on his official visit to Eswatini, marking his first trip to Africa since assuming office.
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said in an interview Monday that Taiwan maintains "quasi-official diplomatic relations" with Somaliland and has six representative offices in Africa spanning five countries. The trip is intended to strengthen relations with African nations across regions and political parties, injecting new momentum into relations between Taiwan and Africa, Lin said.
Lin said Beijing would likely protest Taiwan's international engagement during Lai's trip, but it is only natural for Taipei to accept invitations from its diplomatic allies. Any reaction from China would not affect Taiwan's relationship with Eswatini, he added. China's Taiwan Affairs Office condemned the planned visit on April 15, urging Eswatini to "stand on the right side of history."
President Lai departs Wednesday for a five-day visit to Eswatini, Taiwan's only diplomatic ally in Africa, to attend celebrations marking King Mswati III's 40th jubilee and 58th birthday. The president has been invited to address African leaders at the celebration, where he is expected to outline Taiwan's vision for deeper ties with African nations.
Eswatini is one of 12 U-N member countries worldwide that have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, and the only one in Africa. The two countries established relations in 1968, the same year Eswatini gained independence from Britain. Over the past 30 years, 10 African countries have severed ties with Taiwan and switched recognition to Beijing. ◼