China on Wednesday condemned Eswatini’s leaders in unusually harsh terms over their continued ties with Taiwan, accusing officials in the southern African kingdom of being “kept and fed” by Taipei after a surprise visit by Taiwan’s president deepened tensions between Beijing and Taipei.
The remarks came after Taiwan President Lai Ching-te returned from Eswatini, one of only 12 countries that maintain formal diplomatic relations with the self-ruled island that China claims as its territory.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said some Eswatini politicians were being “kept and fed by Taiwan” and acting as “a lackey” of Taiwanese interests, in language that underscored Beijing’s longstanding campaign to isolate Taipei diplomatically.
The comments followed Lai’s visit to Eswatini for celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession to the throne. The trip was the latest flashpoint in the rivalry between Beijing and Taipei, which has intensified in recent years as China steps up efforts to pressure Taiwan’s remaining allies to switch recognition.
Lin accused Taiwan of engaging in “dollar diplomacy” and said Beijing opposed any official exchanges between Taiwan and foreign governments.
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“This runs counter to the tide of history, and China strongly condemns it,” Lin said, referring to Eswatini’s decision to host the Taiwanese leader.
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, has maintained diplomatic relations with Taiwan since 1968 and remains one of its last formal allies, despite repeated pressure from China to sever ties.
In response to Beijing’s remarks, Eswatini’s acting government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli rejected the criticism, describing it as “deeply unfortunate” and inconsistent with “respectful international discourse.”
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“It is especially concerning when statements of this nature come from a country that positions itself as a responsible global actor,” Mdluli said in a statement to Reuters.
“Eswatini must not be bullied and our sovereign decisions ought to be respected by all,” she added.
The dispute also drew a strong reaction from Taipei, where officials said China had attempted to obstruct Lai’s travel plans by pressuring several Indian Ocean nations to deny overflight rights.
Taiwanese authorities said Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar had initially refused airspace clearance for Lai’s aircraft before his visit was rerouted. Beijing did not immediately respond to those allegations.
Lai ultimately travelled on a private aircraft provided by Eswatini’s royal household after what Taiwan described as logistical difficulties linked to Chinese pressure.
Speaking after returning to Taiwan, Lai said the trip had strengthened ties with Eswatini and demonstrated the island’s ability to maintain international partnerships despite what he described as Chinese “blockade and suppression.”
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“Taiwan will continue to move steadily onto the international stage,” he told a meeting of his ruling Democratic Progressive Party, adding that cooperation with “like-minded partners” would not be deterred by external pressure.
China, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province to be reunified with the mainland, has stepped up efforts in recent years to reduce Taipei’s international space. It has successfully persuaded several countries to switch recognition from Taiwan to Beijing, leaving the island with a shrinking pool of formal diplomatic allies.
Beijing has also increased military and political pressure on Taiwan, while warning countries against official engagement with its government.
Taiwan rejects China’s sovereignty claims and insists it is a de facto independent state with its own constitution and democratically elected government.
The latest row underscores the increasingly fraught diplomatic environment surrounding Taiwan’s remaining allies, many of which are in Africa, Latin America and the Pacific.
Analysts say Beijing is likely to continue targeting Taiwan’s diplomatic partners as part of its broader strategy to isolate the island internationally, while Taipei is expected to maintain and strengthen ties with its remaining allies through high-profile visits and development cooperation.
The dispute between China and Eswatini adds to a long-running geopolitical contest that shows no sign of easing, with both Beijing and Taipei continuing to accuse each other of political interference and coercive diplomacy.
