- Govt Defends Eswatini’s Sovereign Foreign Policy
- China Remarks Condemned As Disrespectful Diplomacy
- Taiwan Partnership Built On Mutual Respect – Mdluli
BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE– Acting Government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli has strongly condemned remarks attributed to China’s Foreign Ministry following the recent visit by Taiwan President Lai Ching-te to Eswatini, describing the statements as “deeply unfortunate” and inconsistent with the standards expected in international diplomacy.
Mdluli was reacting to comments made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, who reportedly accused some leaders in Eswatini of being “kept and fed” by Taiwan while criticizing the Kingdom for hosting the Taiwanese President during his recent visit.
Speaking on behalf of Government, Mdluli said Eswatini rejects any attempt to undermine its sovereignty or dictate the country’s foreign policy choices.
“Such utterances are deeply unfortunate and fall far short of the standards expected in respectful international discourse. It is especially concerning when statements of this nature come from a country that positions itself as a responsible global actor,” said Mdluli.
She emphasized that Eswatini’s diplomatic relations with Taiwan are based on mutual respect, shared values and decades of cooperation that continue to benefit the people of the Kingdom.
“Eswatini’s relationship with Taiwan is not directed against any nation. It is a deliberate and sovereign choice grounded in mutual respect, development cooperation and longstanding friendship. Like all sovereign states, Eswatini reserves the right to determine its own foreign relations in accordance with its national interests,” she said.
The Government spokesperson further stated that no nation should seek to intimidate or pressure Eswatini over decisions that fall within its sovereign mandate.
“Eswatini must not be bullied and our sovereign decisions ought to be respected by all. The Kingdom remains committed to conducting its international relations in a peaceful, respectful and constructive manner,” she added.
President Lai’s visit to Eswatini attracted international attention after reports emerged that several countries allegedly denied overflight access to his aircraft prior to his arrival in the Kingdom. Reuters reported that China strongly opposed the visit and described Taiwan’s diplomatic engagements as “separatist activities.”
Despite the criticism, Government has maintained that the visit was conducted within the framework of the strong bilateral ties between Eswatini and Taiwan, which have spanned more than five decades and continue to support development initiatives in sectors such as health, education, agriculture, technology and infrastructure.
Political analysts say Eswatini has consistently defended its diplomatic partnership with Taiwan as a matter of national sovereignty and independent foreign policy, despite growing pressure from Beijing on countries maintaining ties with Taipei.
The Kingdom remains Africa’s only country with formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
(Courtesy Pic)
