Omanghana
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised Chinese citizens and businesses to leave Eswatini or relocate to neighboring countries, including South Africa, citing growing security concerns.
The warning targets Taiwan’s only remaining diplomatic ally in Africa and comes amid Beijing’s continuing campaign to reduce Taipei’s international recognition.
China’s consular affairs department identified cyber fraud and illegal online gambling as major threats to Chinese nationals operating or residing in the southern African kingdom.
Beijing warned that those who choose to remain in Eswatini could face serious security risks. It also noted that China’s lack of formal diplomatic relations with the country limits its ability to provide prompt and effective consular assistance during emergencies.
The advisory follows a security operation by Eswatini authorities that resulted in the arrest of approximately 200 foreign nationals. At least 55 Chinese citizens were reportedly among those detained over suspected involvement in illegal online gambling, extortion and cyber-fraud networks.
Eswatini’s government rejected Beijing’s assessment, describing the security warning as unsupported and regrettable.
Mbabane argued that the recent arrests demonstrated the ability of its law-enforcement agencies to identify and confront organized criminal activity. Officials also maintained that Eswatini remained capable of protecting residents, visitors and foreign investors.
The government further declared that the kingdom would not be coerced, disadvantaged or destabilized because of its sovereign foreign-policy decisions and longstanding diplomatic relationship with Taiwan.
Tensions have also extended into trade. On May 1, 2026, China introduced zero-tariff treatment for imports from every African country except Eswatini, effectively excluding the kingdom from expanded access to the Chinese market.
The decision was widely viewed as part of Beijing’s economic pressure on Mbabane to end its formal relationship with Taipei.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and requires countries seeking diplomatic relations with Beijing to withdraw official recognition of the self-governed island.
Eswatini is one of only 12 countries worldwide that continue to maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Its position makes the kingdom an important diplomatic partner for Taipei and the final African holdout against Beijing’s efforts to establish exclusive recognition across the continent.
The latest evacuation advisory is likely to deepen tensions between China and Eswatini as the kingdom continues to defend its right to determine its diplomatic partnerships independently.
Source: Omanghana
