Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Taiwan's Ambassador to Eswatini Accused by South African Media; Police Report Filed for Online Dissemination

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) today clarified that reports from Swaziland News, a South Africa-based media outlet, accusing Taiwan's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Eswatini, Liang Hong-tsung, of multiple corruption cases are false and lack factual basis, constituting a typical disinformation operation. MOFA emphasized that Ambassador Liang has actively deepened Taiwan-Eswatini relations and promoted bilateral cooperation, interacting positively with the Eswatini royal family and government. The ministry stated that Swaziland News receives funding from China and has a clear political stance, consistently criticizing the Eswatini monarchy and government while disseminating disinformation internationally to undermine Taiwan's sovereignty and bilateral ties. MOFA recalled a similar disinformation incident during President Lai Ching-te's visit to Paraguay in 2023, highlighting systematic manipulation by external forces aiming to disrupt Taiwan's foreign relations. MOFA urged the public to be vigilant against such misinformation that attacks diplomatic relations and harms front-line personnel. The ministry will report the online dissemination of these false messages to the police and vigorously defend the honor of MOFA and its personnel, calling for collective efforts to protect Taiwan's external relations and national interests.