MOFA: Taiwan-Eswatini Ties Solid, Cooperation Continues
In response to reports that US economist Jeffrey Sachs advised Taiwan's ally Eswatini to establish diplomatic relations with China, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Sachs' opinion is a personal view and that the bilateral relationship remains strong and friendly.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 12, 2026 at 12:51
- 🔍 Collected: June 12, 2026 at 12:59 (8 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 12, 2026 at 13:02 (3 min after Collected)
(Central News Agency, Wu Shuwei, Taipei, June 12) Foreign media reported that American economist Jeffrey Sachs was invited to participate in a cabinet seminar in Taiwan's ally Eswatini, where he suggested the country establish diplomatic relations with China in exchange for economic benefits. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated today that Sachs' opinion is purely a personal view, which has also sparked strong concern and questions from pro-Taiwan legislators in Eswatini. The ministry emphasized that Taiwan-Eswatini ties are solid and friendly, and both sides will continue to promote mutually beneficial cooperative relations.
In response to a report by the foreign media outlet "Swaziland News," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs replied to a Central News Agency inquiry this morning, stating that it and the Taiwanese Embassy in Eswatini are fully aware of the report and the political situation in Eswatini. The report claimed that Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini invited American economist Jeffrey Sachs to participate in a cabinet seminar in April, during which Sachs mentioned that Eswatini should establish diplomatic relations with China for economic reasons.
The Ministry stated that because Sachs' opinion is purely a personal view, his remarks sparked strong concern and questions from multiple pro-Taiwan legislators in the Eswatini parliament, which fully demonstrates that Taiwan-Eswatini ties are solid and enjoy widespread recognition and strong support from all sectors in Eswatini.
The Ministry explained that Taiwan and the Kingdom of Eswatini have maintained diplomatic relations for over half a century, with close cooperation in various fields over the years. The bilateral relationship was further elevated in May this year after President Lai Ching-te visited Eswatini aboard the private plane of King Mswati III. The King has consistently and firmly expressed his absolute support for the bilateral relationship in both international and domestic public forums, demonstrating the solid and friendly nature of Taiwan-Eswatini ties.
Furthermore, the Ministry stated that Prime Minister Dlamini and his spouse visited Taiwan in 2024, and when President Lai visited Eswatini in May this year, Prime Minister Dlamini personally went to the airport to receive him, showcasing their deep friendship with Taiwan.
The Ministry pointed out that the government is closely monitoring China's continued use of economic sweeteners like "zero tariffs" in an attempt to divide Taiwan's relations with its allies and suppress Taiwan's international space. The Ministry strongly condemned China's actions, stating that China has long used exaggerated and unrealistic economic promises to entice and coerce other countries. These schemes not only undermine the internal unity of allies but also frequently turn out to be empty promises.
The Ministry said that the long-term cooperation between Taiwan and Eswatini in fields such as agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, information and communications technology, energy, and trade has yielded fruitful results, genuinely benefiting the people of Eswatini. This is also the consensus of the King and all sectors in Eswatini. Taiwan will build on this solid foundation, embody the spirit of "Total Diplomacy," continue to promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and jointly safeguard the well-being of the people and the friendship between the two countries. (Editor: Lin Shuyuan) 1150612
In response to a report by the foreign media outlet "Swaziland News," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs replied to a Central News Agency inquiry this morning, stating that it and the Taiwanese Embassy in Eswatini are fully aware of the report and the political situation in Eswatini. The report claimed that Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini invited American economist Jeffrey Sachs to participate in a cabinet seminar in April, during which Sachs mentioned that Eswatini should establish diplomatic relations with China for economic reasons.
The Ministry stated that because Sachs' opinion is purely a personal view, his remarks sparked strong concern and questions from multiple pro-Taiwan legislators in the Eswatini parliament, which fully demonstrates that Taiwan-Eswatini ties are solid and enjoy widespread recognition and strong support from all sectors in Eswatini.
The Ministry explained that Taiwan and the Kingdom of Eswatini have maintained diplomatic relations for over half a century, with close cooperation in various fields over the years. The bilateral relationship was further elevated in May this year after President Lai Ching-te visited Eswatini aboard the private plane of King Mswati III. The King has consistently and firmly expressed his absolute support for the bilateral relationship in both international and domestic public forums, demonstrating the solid and friendly nature of Taiwan-Eswatini ties.
Furthermore, the Ministry stated that Prime Minister Dlamini and his spouse visited Taiwan in 2024, and when President Lai visited Eswatini in May this year, Prime Minister Dlamini personally went to the airport to receive him, showcasing their deep friendship with Taiwan.
The Ministry pointed out that the government is closely monitoring China's continued use of economic sweeteners like "zero tariffs" in an attempt to divide Taiwan's relations with its allies and suppress Taiwan's international space. The Ministry strongly condemned China's actions, stating that China has long used exaggerated and unrealistic economic promises to entice and coerce other countries. These schemes not only undermine the internal unity of allies but also frequently turn out to be empty promises.
The Ministry said that the long-term cooperation between Taiwan and Eswatini in fields such as agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, information and communications technology, energy, and trade has yielded fruitful results, genuinely benefiting the people of Eswatini. This is also the consensus of the King and all sectors in Eswatini. Taiwan will build on this solid foundation, embody the spirit of "Total Diplomacy," continue to promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and jointly safeguard the well-being of the people and the friendship between the two countries. (Editor: Lin Shuyuan) 1150612
FAQ
Why does Eswatini maintain relations with Taiwan?
It is based on over half a century of diplomatic ties and substantial support from Taiwan in areas like agriculture and healthcare.
How is China trying to influence Eswatini?
China offers economic incentives like 'zero tariffs' to persuade Eswatini to switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China.
How influential is Sachs' proposal?
Taiwan's MOFA dismissed it as a personal view, and it faced strong opposition from pro-Taiwan lawmakers in Eswatini, suggesting limited impact.