For its autocratic African ally, Taiwan bites its tongue and opens its wallet
Eswatini probably does not register on most people’s mental maps. Its relatively recent name might sound unfamiliar as many people still know it as Swaziland. That it demands attention from pundits like yours truly has much to do with it being the only African country that still formally recognises Taiwan. It is also the continent’s only absolute monarchy. The two facts are closely connected.…
The tiny African nation of eSwatini, formerly known as Swaziland, remains the sole African country still recognizing Taiwan. This unusual diplomatic relationship persists despite no other African nations sharing the same stance. eSwatini, with a population of approximately 1.2 million people, is ruled by an absolute monarchy with King Mswati III at the helm.
The nation's connections with Taiwan extend beyond recognition; Taiwan has provided significant aid, including a US$300 million strategic fuel reserve facility financed by Taiwan's Export-Import Bank. This assistance aims to improve infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and technology, but it has raised concerns about potential coercion from Taiwan.
ESwatini's economy faces challenges, with a high unemployment rate and poverty levels, prompting some observers to draw parallels between Taiwan's aid and a "debt trap". Despite the lack of diplomatic relations, China has made efforts to engage with eSwatini, such as constructing the Mpakeni Dam through its subsidiary Sinohydro.
While Taiwan maintains its stance on supporting democratic values, its diplomatic recognition of eSwatini is limited, leaving the island with a dwindling number of allies in Asia.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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