China called on its citizens to leave Eswatini immediately, citing safety risks in the African kingdom, which represents one of the few remaining diplomatic allies of Taiwan. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and opposes efforts by the self-ruled island to strengthen its international relations and contacts.
Beijing's warning
The consular department of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that "Chinese nationals and organizations already in the country should evacuate as soon as possible or move to relatively safer areas, such as South Africa." The Chinese ministry cited, among other factors, "widespread cyber fraud activities and online gambling criminal operations" as part of ongoing security concerns. So far, it remains unknown how many Chinese citizens are working or residing in Eswatini. "Those who insist on traveling to or remaining in the region will face extremely high security risks, while the ability to provide timely consular assistance may also be affected," the consular department stated in a post shared on the WeChat social media platform.
Eswatini stands with Taiwan
Eswatini, a small kingdom in southern Africa formerly known as Swaziland, is one of only 12 countries in the world that still maintain diplomatic recognition of Taiwan. China has managed in recent years to persuade several nations to sever official ties with self-governed Taiwan and recognize Beijing as the sole legitimate government of China. The confrontation between Beijing and Taipei thus acquires an economic dimension, as China leverages its commercial and financial power to bolster its diplomatic influence in Africa.
Exception from zero-tariff policy
Indicative of Beijing's specific stance toward Eswatini is China's decision to extend, starting May 1, a zero-tariff policy to all African nations, with the sole exception of Eswatini. This exclusion takes on added significance given Eswatini's steadfast diplomatic relations with Taiwan and Beijing's broader campaign to reduce the number of countries recognizing Taipei internationally. The new advisory issued to Chinese citizens therefore comes amid a highly sensitive diplomatic climate, as the China–Taiwan relationship remains one of the most critical geopolitical flashpoints in Asia while Beijing continues its push for Taipei's diplomatic isolation.
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