Story perspectives

China warns citizens to leave Eswatini over security risks

8/27/2026

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China Evacuates Eswatini

China’s foreign ministry advised Chinese nationals to leave Eswatini because of security risks on Tuesday, August 26, 2026.
Beijing labeled Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s May 2026 visit to Eswatini an international laughing stock.
The advisory, issued amid a crackdown on online gambling, urged Chinese citizens to move to South Africa, deemed safer.
Around 40 Chinese nationals detained after March gambling raids were released, re-arrested while leaving, prompting lawyers to seek 208 million rand compensation.

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China Warns

China’s foreign ministry warned its citizens to leave Eswatini on August 26, 2026 because of security risks.
The advisory is seen as Beijing pressuring Eswatini for keeping diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
The WeChat announcement topped China’s trends, reaching over 89 million reads by noon.
The advisory noted that consular assistance could be significantly delayed for those who stay.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry called the warning authoritarian intimidation targeting its historic friendship with Eswatini.

History

Historical Context

After UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 in 1971 recognized the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan lost most diplomatic seats; Eswatini, a partner since 1968, still receives about $30 million yearly from Taipei. In May 2026, following Lai Ching-te’s visit, Beijing warned Chinese citizens to leave Eswatini, prompting many to move to South Africa while Taiwan’s embassy seeks a 208-million-rand compensation claim.

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China Evacuates Eswatini

China’s foreign ministry advised Chinese nationals to leave Eswatini because of security risks on Tuesday, August 26, 2026.
Beijing labeled Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s May 2026 visit to Eswatini an international laughing stock.
The advisory, issued amid a crackdown on online gambling, urged Chinese citizens to move to South Africa, deemed safer.
Around 40 Chinese nationals detained after March gambling raids were released, re-arrested while leaving, prompting lawyers to seek 208 million rand compensation.

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