Eswatini Strengthens Economic Ties with Beijing; Retains Diplomatic Ties with Taipei

 The Diplomat published on 12 September 2024 an analysis titled "China-Africa Summit Shines a Spotlight on Eswatini, Taiwan's Lone Partner in Africa" by Shannon Tiezzi.

Eswatini is the only country in Africa that recognizes Taipei.  Recent growing economic ties between China and Eswatini have renewed speculation that the two countries might establish diplomatic relations.  This is, however, a decision in the hands of King Mswati III and there is no indication he is prepared to switch from Taipei to Beijing.  

The Taipei Times published on 12 September 2024 an article titled "Eswatini 'Quietly Warming' to China: Report" by Jonathan Chin.

This report contains similar information but quotes an Eswatini government representative who denies that the Kingdom is about to begin a dialogue for switching diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China.

Taiwan's President to Visit Eswatini

 Focus Taiwan published on 25 August 2023 an article titled "President Tsai to Visit Eswatini in Early September."

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen will visit from 5-8 September Eswatini, the only country in Africa that recognizes Taipei.  The occasion marks the 55th anniversary of Eswatini's independence.  

Eswatini Prime Minister Visits Taiwan

 The Central News Agency, Taiwan's national news service, published on 6 March 2023 an article titled "Visiting Eswatini PM Affirms Ties with Taiwan, Denounces 'Bullying'."

Eswatini's prime minister recently visited Taiwan where he met with President Tsai Ing-wen.  Referring to China's pressure on Taiwan, he said Eswatini rejects any kind of bullying.  Eswatini is the only country in Africa and one of 14 worldwide that has full diplomatic relations with Taiwan.  

Taiwan-Somaliland Tie Riles China

 The Associated Press published on 9 February 2022 an article titled "Taiwan, Somaliland Ties Growing Despite Diplomatic Isolation."

Somaliland's foreign minister met in Taipei this week with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen.  Beijing reacted angrily, commenting this development "benefits nobody and will only end up hurting itself."

Somaliland Seeks US Recognition by Leveraging Taiwan Connection

 The South China Morning Post published on 15 January 2022 an article titled "Somaliland Offers to Resist Growing Chinese Influence in Africa as It Seeks US Recognition" by Jevans Nyabiage.

Somaliland, which declared its independence from Somalia in 1991, is urging the United States to establish a "representative office" in Hargeisa, its capital, as Taiwan has already done.  Somaliland is playing the Taiwan card in an effort to obtain diplomatic recognition.  

More on Taiwan-Somaliland Ties

 The South China Morning Post published on 19 August 2020 an article titled "Beijing May Tolerate Taiwan's Presence in Somaliland--Unless It Turns Political, Observers Say" by Jevans Nyabiage.

Taiwan and Somaliland moved fast in setting up "representative offices" in their respective capitals.  Taiwan has already donated medical supplies to fight COVID-19 and offered scholarships to students from Somaliland.  

China Squeezes Only Country in Africa that Recognizes Taiwan

The Daily Maverick published on 3 February 2020 an article titled "China Turns the Screws on Eswatini" by Carien Du Plessis. The author reports that China is threatening to "cripple" Eswatini business and economic development if it does not switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China.

The Swaziland News published on 4 February 2020 the text of China's press release that sets forth Beijing's new policy towards Eswatini. Swazi passport holders who wish to visit China can now only obtain a visa from the Chinese embassy in Pretoria.

Focus Taiwan reported on 3 February 2020 Taiwan's response from the foreign ministry in a statement titled "Eswatini's Ties with Taiwan Firm Despite Pressure from China: MOFA." Taiwan expressed appreciation to Eswatini for standing up to China.

Nigeria, China, and Taiwan's Trade Office

Abdul-Gafar Tobi Oshodi, University of Leuven, Belgium, recently posted a report titled "Nigeria-Taiwan Row: Understanding China's Influence in Africa."

In 2017, Nigeria, under pressure from China, ordered Taiwan to relocate its trade mission from the political capital of Abuja to the commercial capital of Lagos. It subsequently asked the director of the trade mission to leave Nigeria. Nigeria took this action in compliance with China's definition of the One China policy.

Sao Tome Switches Recognition from Taiwan to China

The New York Times published on 22 December 2016 an article titled "A Small African Nation Severs Ties with Taiwan, and Beijing Applauds" by Mike Ives.

Taiwan's Foreign Ministry announced on 21 December 2016 that the West African island nation of Sao Tome and Principe had broken relations while China welcomed the switch to Beijing. This reduces the number of countries having formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan to 21. This number includes only 2 in Africa: Swaziland and Burkina Faso. Gambia broke diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 2013 and was recognized by China in March 2016. The diplomatic truce between Taiwan and China is over and Beijing will almost certainly pursue vigorously formal relations with the other 21 countries.

China Re-establishes Diplomatic Ties with Gambia

Bloomberg Business published on 18 March 2016 an article titled "China's Gambia Move Reminds Tsai of Power to Isolate Taiwan."

China formally re-established relations with Gambia on 17 March, more than two years after the West African nation severed ties with Taiwan.  Throughout the eight-year presidency of Ma Ying-jeou in Taiwan, China and Taiwan had an informal agreement not to steal diplomatic recognition from the other party.  This policy held until after the election this year in Taiwan of opposition leader Tsai Ing-wen. 

After Gambia broke relations with Taiwan in November 2013, only 22 small states, including the Holy See, maintained diplomatic relations with Taipei.  Today, only three countries in Africa have relations with Taiwan: Sao Tome and Principe, Burkina Faso, and Swaziland.  China's recognition of Gambia may portend a stepped up effort by China to obtain the recognition of these African countries and others that still recognize Taiwan. 

China's Sinohydro has already agreed to replace Gambia's aging electricity supply system, although the terms of the project are not clear.

On 18 March 2016 Taiwan strongly protested the resumption of Gambia-China diplomatic ties.