Chinese President Xi Jinping made headlines at a grand banquet for African leaders, announcing a substantial $51 billion funding pledge to the continent. However, the event was notable for the absence of one key nation: Eswatini. This small, landlocked country holds the distinction of being Taiwan’s last remaining diplomatic ally in Africa, a fact that has become a point of friction in China’s ongoing efforts to diplomatically isolate Taiwan.
The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, a cornerstone of China’s engagement with Africa, witnessed the absence of Eswatini, according to Bloomberg’s report. Despite its diplomatic ties with Taiwan, Eswatini’s largest source of imports after South Africa is China. This week, in a clear contrast to the grand spectacle of the Beijing summit, Eswatini’s monarch inaugurated a Taiwanese pavilion at a local trade fair.
At the summit, Reuters reported that Xi pledged to increase Chinese support for Africa, the world’s second-fastest-growing continent, through funding, infrastructure projects, and the creation of at least a million jobs. Notably, Eswatini was left out of these plans.
The geopolitical implications of this situation are significant. As of 2024, Taiwan maintains official recognition from only 12 nations, including Eswatini. China’s pledge comes at a time when it is increasingly strengthening its ties with Africa amidst global tensions. Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are exploring Africa as a potential market, seeking to mitigate the impact of increased tariffs from the European Union and the United States. This has further escalated the competition between the U.S. and China for dominance in Africa’s strategic mineral supply chains. Meanwhile, Taiwan has been actively bolstering its defense capabilities, receiving praise from the United States.
Eswatini’s absence from the summit underscores the complexities of China’s relationship with Africa and the delicate balance of diplomatic alliances in the region. The situation also highlights the growing geopolitical rivalry between China and the United States, with Africa as a key battleground.
