China Accuses Taiwan of “Dollar Diplomacy” Over Alleged Eswatini Funding

(MENAFN) China on Wednesday criticized Taiwan’s leadership over reports alleging that Taipei provided substantial financial support to Eswatini, the only African country that maintains formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Speaking at a media briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning claimed the reported funding reflected what Beijing views as efforts by Taiwan's authorities to bolster their independence agenda through financial means.

According to reports, Taiwan allegedly provided Eswatini with NT$25 billion (approximately US$795 million) before and after a recent visit by Taiwanese leader William Ching-te Lai to the African kingdom. The reports further alleged that revenue generated by related projects would benefit the king and members of the royal family, while some Taiwanese representatives stationed in the country would also gain financially.

Referring to the allegations, Mao said the reports demonstrated "how far the Lai Ching-te authorities would go to selfishly advance their 'Taiwan independence' agenda."

She further criticized what she described as Taiwan’s diplomatic approach, saying: "Their expensive dollar diplomacy -- a combination of corruption, fraudulence, bribery and money for abuse of power -- has cost dearly the people in Taiwan."

Lai traveled to Eswatini last month as part of efforts to maintain relations with one of Taipei’s remaining diplomatic partners.

Mao also argued that the continued relationship between Taiwan and Eswatini primarily served the interests of a limited group of individuals rather than benefiting the broader population.

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