China issues a stern message to Africa’s last absolute monarchy regarding its diplomatic ties with Taiwan, as Beijing reinforces its stance on the One-China policy in the region.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, it anticipates that the Kingdom of Eswatini will “choose wisely” and terminate its diplomatic relations with Taiwan. This nation, surrounded by land on all sides, is unique among African countries in being a supporter of the self-governed territory. Beijing views this area as an integral part of China.
On Wednesday, Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, commented in response to inquiries from reporters concerning Beijing’s relationship with Eswatini.
Mao stated that there exists only one China globally, and Taiwan is an indivisible constituent of its territory. Moreover, various African nations strongly uphold the One-China policy and consider their partnership with China to be beneficial for Africa’s financial growth and enduring progress.
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When speaking to reporters, she stated that it is not in Eswatini’s best interest to establish official relations with Taiwan. She expressed confidence that eventually, Eswatini will recognize the global trend and make a suitable decision.
During the China-Africa Cooperation Summit (FOCAC) from Wednesday to Friday in Beijing, Mao held a media briefing on the sidelines. This event was attended by leaders and delegations from over 50 African nations.
At the summit where Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled his proposals for $50 billion in joint ventures with African allies, Eswatini – Africa’s final absolute monarchy – was notably absent. Xi put forward a total of ten partnership action plans aimed at bolstering cooperation between China and Africa across a range of fields including agriculture, security, health care, education and sustainable technologies.
The leaders of South Africa and Zambia, among other southern African nations neighboring the kingdom, took part in a three-day conference where they held discussions with Beijing to strengthen relations. In addition, despite being denounced as illegitimate by various Western powers, military heads from Mali and Gabon were also present at the summit and consented to advance their countries’ partnerships with China up to a “strategic” level.
