Taiwan Defense Minister Gu Li-xiong Exchanges Honors with Eswatini Defense Commander Fakudze

On 28 July 2026, Taiwan’s Minister of National Defense Gu Li‑xiong met with General Mashikilisana Fakudze, commander of the Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) Defence Forces, at the Ministry of Defence’s Bo‑ai camp. The two officers exchanged the highest military decorations of their respective countries: Gu awarded Fakudze the “Second‑Class Bao‑Ding Medal,” while Fakudze, representing King Mswati III, presented Gu with Eswatini’s “Special Order of Exceptional Honor.”

Both officials said the ceremony underscored a deepening security partnership and pledged to expand cooperation in training, joint exercises, and other defence‑related activities.