Africa-Press – Eswatini. China has condemned Eswatini for hosting Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, stating that the leaders of Eswatini are receiving support and care from Taiwan, using strong language to denounce the small kingdom located in Southern Africa.
China and Taiwan have long exchanged accusations of “dollar diplomacy” to gain the support of developing countries. Beijing’s recent criticism came after Lai returned to his country on Tuesday from a surprise visit to Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), one of the twelve countries that maintain official diplomatic relations with the democratically governed island claimed by China.
Beijing considers Lai a “separatist” and has urged other countries to refuse to engage with or host his government. Lai’s administration announced that China forced three countries in the Indian Ocean – Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar – to deny his flight permission to fly over their territories when he planned to attend the 40th anniversary celebrations of King Mswati III’s reign last month.
Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, stated that Lai “sneaked” into Eswatini. He explained to reporters in Beijing that this demonstrates the international community’s rejection of “separatist” activities, describing them as a “scandal and a farce.”
Lin added, using a derogatory term for someone who is enslaved or exploited as a servant: “Some politicians in Eswatini, who are supported by Taiwan, have provided space for Taiwan’s independence forces, which contradicts the course of history, and China strongly condemns it.”
In response, the acting spokesperson for the Eswatini government, Thabile Mdlozi, stated that these remarks are “extremely regrettable and do not meet the standards expected in respectful international discourse. This raises serious concerns, especially since such statements come from a country that presents itself as a responsible global actor.” She added, “Eswatini should not be subjected to intimidation, and everyone should respect our sovereign decisions.”
A festive atmosphere prevailed in Taiwan following Lai’s arrival in Eswatini and his return via a circuitous route bypassing airspace controlled by Mauritius and Madagascar.
Instead of traveling on a chartered flight from the Taiwanese airline as originally planned according to usual procedures, Lai flew on the king’s private Airbus A340.
Lai, who rejects Beijing’s claims of sovereignty, confirmed during a weekly meeting of his Democratic Progressive Party on Wednesday that this visit strengthened the bonds of friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini. Lai added that Taiwan, despite Chinese “blockades and oppression,” will “steadily advance on the international stage” as long as it remains steadfast and united, working alongside its like-minded partners.
