China advises its citizens to leave Taiwan ally Eswatini over 'security risks'

What the report says

China’s foreign ministry has advised its citizens to leave Eswatini, saying the southern African country faces “security risks” tied to cyber fraud and criminal activity linked to gambling. In the notice, Beijing recommended that people move to safer nearby countries, including South Africa. The warning was reported by BBC Africa and comes as China and Taiwan continue competing for diplomatic support in Africa and elsewhere.

Eswatini is the only African state among the 12 countries that still recognise Taiwan. That longstanding ties to Taipei make the kingdom especially sensitive in the wider China-Taiwan dispute. BBC Africa noted that Beijing has repeatedly pressed countries to cut relations with Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory.

The advisory comes amid a separate controversy in Eswatini involving Chinese nationals. A local news report cited by BBC Africa said 40 Chinese citizens were detained after arrests connected to alleged illegal online gambling centres in Mbabane and surrounding areas. Lawyers for the group reportedly argued that some had already faced immigration penalties and that their re-arrest was unlawful. The Eswatini government had not commented at the time of the report.

The BBC also said the travel warning follows recent friction over Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s visit to Eswatini earlier this year, which Beijing criticised. The development highlights how diplomatic tensions between China and Taiwan can spill over into travel, trade and security advice for citizens and businesses.