Eswatini Aims to Strengthen Asia Ties Amid Complex China-Taiwan Relations
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, remains the only African nation maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China considers a renegade province. Despite this, Eswatini continues to grow as a trade partner with China, necessitating careful navigation as it seeks to expand relations with other Asian nations for new economic opportunities.
Recent efforts by Eswatini to build stronger ties with South Korea, Singapore, and Bhutan could be seen as a shift away from China, its largest trading partner in Asia. In 2022, Eswatini imported more than $109 million worth of goods from China.
However, government spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo emphasized that such a conclusion would be presumptive. He explained that diplomacy is a fluid process driven by national interests, and Eswatini’s current focus on developing relations with other Asian countries reflects a strategic assessment of what is best for 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, that’s where we want to make our presence available, and that’s where we want to make our presence felt. Whether it’s economic trade, diplomacy, or political processes, we want to be engaged.”
Nxumalo added, “Eswatini adheres to our cardinal foreign policy: an enemy to none but a friend to all.”
This balanced approach has allowed Eswatini to maintain diplomatic relations with both China and Taiwan, despite Beijing's efforts to persuade Eswatini to cut ties with the self-governing island. China has issued various threats against Eswatini but has not followed through.
Nearly 60% of Eswatini's population lives in poverty, and the economy has suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent protests that damaged many businesses.
Mavela Sigwane, head of transformation at the Federation of Eswatini Business Community, highlighted the potential economic benefits of outreach efforts to South Korea, Singapore, and Bhutan.
“This Korea agreement which has been signed, we are so excited about it,” Sigwane said. “It will open numerous avenues for local businesses to tap into available opportunities in Korea.”
The agreement Sigwane referred to includes South Korea’s recent commitment to spend more than $20 billion in development assistance and investment initiatives in Africa. Eswatini’s King Mswati praised South Korea for these commitments and invited South Korean businesses to invest in Eswatini.
Political analyst Sibusiso Nhlabatsi noted that Eswatini's decision to forge economic ties with non-traditional Asian partners demonstrates its openness to exploring new alliances beyond historical Western partnerships.
“Eswatini seeks to benefit by positioning itself as a versatile and multi-aligned actor in the Asian region,” Nhlabatsi said. “Balancing relations between China and Taiwan, along with new partners, shows that even a small country can maintain independence in foreign policy rather than automatically deferring to larger powers.”
Analysts suggest that the expanded trade, increased investment opportunities, and shared technology expected from these new alliances could diversify Eswatini’s economy, reducing its dependency on any single market.
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