China slams Eswatini PM for visiting Taiwan
China slammed Eswatini's Prime Minister Russell Dlamini's visit to the Taiwan region, urging the African country to "mend its ways as soon as possible".
Dlamini reportedly arrived in Taiwan on Monday. He met with the region's outgoing head Tsai Ing-wen, among other people, visited companies and attended an event pitching for investment in his country.
Voicing firm opposition to the visit, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday it is a serious violation of the one-China principle and China's sovereignty.
Lin also told a regular news conference that Eswatini, as well as its people have "hardly benefited" from its "diplomatic ties" with the Taiwan region over the past 56 years.
"The Taiwan authorities squander the taxpayers' money to support some bigwigs in Eswatini to maintain the so-called diplomatic ties," he said. "This kind of relationship is of no value to people in both Taiwan and Eswatini."
Eswatini is one of the only 12 countries in the world that have maintained "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan.
The latest country to sever ties with Taiwan is Nauru, which announced it would cut "diplomatic relations" with the region following the latter's elections held in January.
After the elections, more than 180 countries and organizations reaffirmed their commitment to the one-China principle.
These facts show that one China is where global opinion trends, Lin said, adding that Eswatini's "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan is against the trend, and will not last.
The spokesman called on "certain persons in power in Eswatini" to see squarely the prevailing consensus, and stop "being self-deceptive".
Also, the people in Eswatini will see clearly the truth about "Taiwan independence", and recognize the perils of Taiwan's "dollar diplomacy", Lin added.
Related articles
Company wins court ruling to continue development of Michigan factory serving EV industry
GREEN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — A judge has ordered a Michigan community to stop blocking efforts to br2024-05-21Elly De La Cruz homers again as the Reds pound the White Sox 11
CHICAGO (AP) — Elly De La Cruz hit a three-run drive for his fourth homer in his last four games, he2024-05-21Praise for Fa'anānā Efeso Collins' efforts to inspire young people
Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone2024-05-21Court says judge had no authority to halt Medicare Advantage plan for Delaware government retirees
DOVER, Del. (AP) — Delaware’s Supreme Court has overturned a lower court ruling that prevented offic2024-05-21'Constantly learning' Imanaga off to impressive start with the Chicago Cubs
CHICAGO (AP) — The road for Shota Imanaga from Japan to the major leagues included at least one shar2024-05-21Praise for Fa'anānā Efeso Collins' efforts to inspire young people
Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone2024-05-21
atest comment