China tells citizens to leave Eswatini

Beijing says the tiny southern African kingdom is too dangerous right now - “extremely high” security risks, mostly cyber fraud and illegal online gambling. Chinese citizens and companies already there were told to leave as soon as they can, or move next door to South Africa.

Stay, the Foreign Ministry warned, and help may not arrive in time.

It did not mention Taiwan. It didn’t have to.

Eswatini is Taiwan’s last friend in Africa one of only 12 countries left that still recognize Taipei.

President Lai Ching-te was there in May. China tried to choke that visit by leaning on neighbours over flight routes. Around the same time, Beijing offered zero-tariff trade to every African country except this one.

There’s a local story underneath the politics. Eswatini has been raiding alleged illegal gambling dens since March.

Dozens of foreigners were arrested, including Chinese nationals. About 40 were later picked up again while trying to leave. Lawyers say that was unlawful and want roughly $11.7 million.

There are said to be a little over 200 Chinese people in the country shops, textiles, restaurants. No Chinese embassy.

Eswatini is not buying the panic. Acting spokesperson Thabile Mdluli called the warning unsupported and regrettable.

The kingdom says it isn’t unsafe, it isn’t going to be pushed around for choosing its own friends, and the raids show the police are doing their job.

Beijing calls it protecting its citizens. Mbabane calls it pressure. Both can be true at once.