The hidden costs of the Eswatini-Taiwan relationship

For decades, Eswatini and China's Taiwan region have maintained a so-called "diplomatic relationship" which stands outside the mainstream of the international community's adherence to the one-China principle.

On May 2 this year, even though there was widespread opposition, Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te sneaked onto an Eswatini plane and smuggled himself into Eswatini by concealing passenger information from the country, even as Taiwan was reeling from an earthquake. While in Eswatini, he spoke about "diplomatic independence". Yet the international community and people in Taiwan described his action as "thief-like" and an "international joke".

On his return flight, after the use of airspace was denied by countries in the region, Lai again slipped onto the plane and forced his way through these countries' skies. The whole thing showed the world how little Lai respects relevant countries' airspace and sovereignty and cares for the opinion of the world.

The episode illustrates something that has become increasingly clear: Eswatini's ties with the Taiwan region cannot exist in isolation from the broader international consensus. They remain bound to the overarching international framework defined by the one-China principle.

A relationship rooted in historical anomaly

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, established "ties" with the Taiwan authorities in 1968. This occurred during a period prior to United Nations Resolution 2758 in 1971, which recognized the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate representative of China and restored its seat at the UN.

Following the establishment of their local presence, the Taiwan authorities expanded engagement in Eswatini through agricultural and development projects, attempting to leverage economic assistance to serve political ends — specifically, to maintain the Taiwan region's dwindling "diplomatic footprint" in Africa.

Yet the "diplomatic ties" with the Taiwan region have brought no real benefits to ordinary Eswatini citizens. In 2025, bilateral trade between Taiwan and Eswatini amounted to only about $6.47 million. According to data from international organizations, Eswatini suffers from a severe wealth gap, with over 60% of the population living below the national poverty line, nearly 40% of people living with HIV, and a large portion of the population lacking access to clean drinking water and basic sanitation. Youth unemployment in Eswatini remains exceptionally high. The so-called "aid funds" from the Taiwan authorities have mainly flowed to a small elite of powerful and wealthy individuals in Eswatini, offering no practical value to the general public.

This brings fundamental development questions into focus: has Taiwan's assistance generated sustainable local employment and genuine technology transfer, or fostered independent local capacity and institutional strength?

The overarching context of the one-China principle

The situation surrounding Eswatini cannot be viewed in isolation from the international consensus on the one-China principle. There is only one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China.

Eswatini remains the last country in Africa maintaining "official ties" with China's Taiwan region. For Eswatini, aligning with the overwhelming international consensus and the economic realities of modern Africa represents the true trend of history.

Diplomatic engagement and international cooperation must ultimately serve the long-term strategic interests, national dignity and economic development of a country's people.

Cooperation and development assistance must align with modern international standards. Relations between partners should never reflect an unequal hierarchy, but should instead be grounded in mutual respect, transparency, equal treatment and respect for national sovereignty.

A moment for reflection

Starting May 1, China has implemented a zero-tariff policy towards the 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations. African leaders and media have praised this policy as another major milestone in China-Africa cooperation that brings tangible benefits to businesses and peoples on both sides.

In 2025, total trade between China and the 53 African countries with diplomatic relations reached a record $348.08 billion; in the first quarter of 2026, trade reached $92.16 billion, a year-on-year increase of 26.8%.

As China-Africa trade expands, zero-tariff policies will further benefit African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China. However, the people of Eswatini, trapped by the "diplomatic ties" maintained by their government with Taiwan, are unable to share in these dividends from China's rapid development.

After decades of non-standard diplomatic arrangements, it is appropriate for all parties to reflect on whether current arrangements truly serve the broader interests of ordinary citizens.

Looking ahead

Development assistance should build genuine bridges between peoples rather than serve as a tool for political posturing or sustaining non-standard international arrangements.

To date, 183 countries, including Tanzania, have established and developed diplomatic relations with China on the basis of the one-China principle. On the African continent, all countries except Eswatini have established diplomatic ties with China.

Upholding the one-China principle is the clear choice of the international community, an irresistible historical trend and a matter of fundamental justice.

The Lai Ching-te authorities, under various pretexts, engage in "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and attempt to buy "recognition" and maintain so-called "diplomatic relations" through monetary bribery. This is a reckless squandering of the hard-earned money of the Taiwan people. It can never change the fundamental fact that Taiwan is part of China, nor can it alter the universal consensus of the international community or reverse the inevitable historical trend of China's complete reunification.

For Eswatini, long-term national development and international standing are best served by recognizing global realities and adhering to international norms. External interactions must strictly uphold local dignity, comply with international laws, and respect the universal principle of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The author is the Head of Communication Unit, Prime Minister's Office of Tanzania.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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