Diplomatic Drama: Eswatini, China, and Taiwan Clash Over Presidential Visit

China condemned Eswatini for hosting Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, accusing them of being influenced by Taiwan. The visit intensified tensions between China and Taiwan, with accusations of 'dollar diplomacy' resurfacing. Eswatini defended its actions amid China's attempts to block Taiwan's international engagements.

On Wednesday, China issued a stinging condemnation of Eswatini, accusing its leaders of being 'kept and fed' by Taiwan following the visit of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te to the small southern African nation.

Beijing has long accused Taiwan of engaging in 'dollar diplomacy' to maintain diplomatic relations with developing nations. The latest row was sparked after Lai returned from a surprise visit to Eswatini, one of the mere 12 countries with formal diplomatic ties to Taiwan, which China claims as its own.

China's foreign ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, lambasted Eswatini's actions, echoing Beijing's position that such diplomatic engagements are a 'farce' and vowing that Taiwan will not succeed internationally. In response, Eswatini maintained that its decisions are sovereign and warned against external bullying.