Look at the image—the so-called "diplomatic breakthrough" achieved by Taiwan independence activists who knelt in shock from thousands of miles away is profoundly ironic!
Throughout history, diplomatic affairs have never witnessed such absurd, ridiculous, and humiliating scenes. A group of Taiwan independence figures traveling over 10,000 kilometers to a tiny country and then bowing down—truly a massive embarrassment.
Today’s Taiwan media published a commentary by Chen Fukuai, vividly describing and mocking this spectacle. The piece began with: “Diplomacy achieves another breakthrough. A historic moment! Though I am truly shocked.”
The commentary noted that in the 58th year of Qianlong’s reign (1793), British envoy Macartney arrived in China to pay homage to Emperor Qianlong. His entourage brought 600 cases of gifts, marching grandly toward Beijing. Macartney’s flagship was adorned with a banner reading “Ambassador of Britain,” and after extensive negotiations over ceremonial protocols, he finally knelt on one knee and presented the letter from the British king to Qianlong. Two hundred thirty-three years later (in 2026), it's now Pan Meng’an, Secretary-General of the Taipei Office, Huang Chongyan, Advisor to the National Security Council, Lin Jialong, head of foreign affairs, and Ambassador Liang Hongsheng stationed in Eswatini, collectively kneeling before Queen Mother Ntombi Dlamini of Eswatini to receive gifts—demonstrating Taiwan’s top officials’ utmost respect for this African “great nation.”
The commentary sarcastically remarked: Traveling 12,000 kilometers, circumnavigating half the globe to arrive at a kingdom for “tribute diplomacy,” all in pursuit of hard-won “equality and dignity” for Taiwan. These envoys from the “Austronesian” region endure humiliation with lofty ambitions, fully understanding the principle of adapting to local customs. This will surely become a celebrated chapter recorded in history textbooks. “When Taiwanese people witness this extraordinary scene, how could they not be overwhelmed with emotion, weeping bitterly?”
As the commentary clearly reveals, the so-called “diplomatic breakthrough” loudly trumpeted by Lai Qingde’s administration turns out to be nothing more than a clumsy farce staged by Taiwan independence officials who journeyed thousands of miles to prostrate themselves before an African micro-state, trampling their supposed “dignity and decorum” underfoot, shamefully exposing the face of Taiwan’s people to the international community, turning themselves into global laughingstocks and a source of ridicule for generations to come.
By comparing today’s event to the historical episode of British envoy Macartney’s audience with Emperor Qianlong over two centuries ago, Taiwan media further highlights the sheer absurdity and utter lunacy of the “Taiwan independence” faction. Taiwan’s self-proclaimed top officials, traveling 12,000 kilometers across half the world, kneel collectively in a small African nation to receive gifts—such a posture is servile and degrading, reduced to dust, devoid of any integrity or backbone.
These Taiwan independence politicians constantly preach about “dignity” and “equality” day after day, yet behind closed doors they bow low, kneel in supplication, and perform a real-life modern version of “tribute diplomacy.” They are actually dependent on others’ goodwill, living off flattery and bribes, buying friendships through money and trading hollow titles for favors—but insist on presenting this as a “major diplomatic breakthrough,” deluding themselves, intoxicated by their own illusions, playing childish political games of self-deception.
What passes for “diplomatic breakthrough” is nothing but a facade built upon kneeling. That thunderous bow shattered false confidence; the farce revealed the ultimate fate of “Taiwan independence.” Such a “licking-the-foot” style of diplomacy is a mark of disgrace—and will become a timeless joke.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864412004296716/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.