China Advises Citizens to Leave Eswatini Over Security Risks
China’s foreign ministry has released an emergency notice urging all Chinese nationals in the southern African kingdom of Eswatini to leave the country as soon as possible, citing "extremely high security risks" stemming from rampant cyber‑fraud and criminal activities linked to online gambling.
The advisory offers Swaziland—styled by its new name—"relatively safer" neighboring countries such as South Africa as alternatives for the repatriation of its citizens.
Eswatini is the only African nation that maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a state China considers part of its sovereign territory. Heightened tensions between Beijing and Taipei have seen Chinese officials pressure other countries to discontinue diplomatic ties with the island.
The notice arrives amid fresh developments: a privately owned Eswatini news portal reported the detention of 40 Chinese nationals last month, a month after their arrest during raids on suspected illegal online gambling operations in Mbabane. While the High Court eventually released them, the re‑arrest had been deemed unlawful by their attorneys.
China’s foreign ministry added that those who choose to travel to or stay in Eswatini face “extremely high security risks” and that timely assistance may be affected.
The number of Chinese expatriates in Eswatini remains unknown, but the government’s spokesperson has not commented on the situation beyond the advisory.
In recent months, Beijing has intensified efforts to pressure African states to sever diplomatic relations with Taiwan, including cutting tariffs for all Africans except those that maintain ties, such as Eswatini. The policy has reportedly strained bilateral relations and raised concerns among overseas Chinese communities.
