Eswatini Aims to Strengthen Asia Relations While Balancing Complex China-Taiwan Dynamics

 

**Manzini, Eswatini** —

Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, is the only country in Africa that maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China considers a renegade province. Despite this, Eswatini remains a growing trade partner with China, necessitating careful navigation as it seeks new economic opportunities with other Asian nations.

Eswatini's recent efforts to strengthen ties with South Korea, Singapore, and Bhutan might be seen as a shift away from China, its largest trading partner in Asia. In 2022, Eswatini imported more than $109 million in goods from China.

However, government spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo cautioned against such assumptions. He explained that diplomacy is fluid and driven by national interests. Eswatini's current focus on fostering relationships with other Asian countries is a strategic move to benefit the kingdom.

“We are establishing diplomatic relations with many countries," Nxumalo said. "Geopolitics is not centered in one position. Geopolitics is controlled and influenced from various corners of the globe. As the kingdom of Eswatini, we want to make our presence felt wherever there are geopolitical activities—be it economic trade, diplomacy, or political processes."

Nxumalo emphasized that Eswatini's foreign policy is one of neutrality and friendship with all nations. This approach has enabled Eswatini to maintain diplomatic relations with both China and Taiwan, despite Beijing's efforts to persuade Eswatini to sever ties with the self-governing island.

China has issued threats against Eswatini but has not followed through with any punitive measures.

With nearly 60% of its population living in poverty, Eswatini's economy has suffered from the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent protests that damaged many businesses. 

Mavela Sigwane, head of transformation at the Federation of Eswatini Business Community, noted that the outreach to South Korea, Singapore, and Bhutan holds significant economic promise.

“This Korea agreement which has been signed, we are so excited about it," Sigwane said. "It will open a number of avenues for local businesses to tap into opportunities in Korea."

The Korea agreement Sigwane referred to involves South Korea's commitment to invest over $20 billion in development assistance and investment initiatives in Africa.

Eswatini’s King Mswati praised South Korea for its commitments and invited South Korean businesses to invest in Eswatini.

Political analyst Sibusiso Nhlabatsi remarked that Eswatini's decision to forge economic ties with non-traditional Asian partners indicates its willingness to explore new alliances beyond its historical Western partnerships.“Swaziland seeks to benefit by positioning itself as a versatile and multi-aligned actor in the Asian region," Nhlabatsi said. "Balancing relationships between China, Taiwan, and new partners shows that this small country maintains an independent foreign policy, rather than deferring to the interests of larger powers.”

Analysts believe that the expanded trade, increased investment opportunities, and shared technology from these new alliances could diversify Eswatini's economy, reducing dependency on any single market.