In brief
In a surprise advisory, Beijing urged Chinese residents in the southern African kingdom of Eswatini to depart amid claims of rampant cyber‑fraud and gambling corruption. The ministry cited "extremely high security risks" and suggested neighbouring South Africa as safer. The move comes after Taiwan’s recent president visited Eswatini, complicating diplomatic ties and following a crackdown on suspected illegal online betting sites that detained dozens of foreign nationals, including Chinese. China’s longstanding pressure on countries that recognise Taiwan may have prompted the warning. The situation underscores the volatile interplay of cyber‑security, gambling regulation and geopolitics in the region.
China’s Foreign Ministry Advises Citizens to Leave Eswatini Over Security Risks
The Chinese government has warned its nationals in the southern African kingdom of Eswatini to depart immediately, citing ongoing cyber‑fraud and gambling‑related criminal activity as serious threats.
Officials specifically urged relocation to safer neighbouring countries such as South Africa, stating that a stay in Eswatini could expose citizens to "extremely high security risks" and limited assistance if critical.
Eswatini remains one of only twelve countries – and the sole African nation – that maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a point of contention for Beijing. The advisory comes on the heels of a recent crackdown by the Eswatini police on alleged illegal online gambling centres, which saw the detention of 40 Chinese nationals in March and their release after a court ruling later that month.
The Chinese foreign ministry had previously criticised Taiwan’s president Lai Ching‑te for visiting Eswatini and labelled him an "international laughing stock" following the trip. China has also recently adjusted tariff policies across Africa, excluding Eswatini from the reduced rates, further highlighting the country’s unique diplomatic position.
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