Taiwan Rejects Reports Eswatini Under Pressure To Switch Ties
Taiwan is pushing back on reports suggesting pressure on its ties with ally Eswatini following comments by a US economist. Media reports that cite Swaziland News say that Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini invited US economist Jeffrey Sachs for Cabinet level talks in April. They say Sachs suggested Eswatini should establish diplomatic ties with China for economic benefits. Taiwan's foreign ministry said the views expressed by Sachs were purely his personal opinion.
Taiwan-Eswatini Ties
REPORTER:
Taiwan is pushing back on reports suggesting pressure on its ties with ally Eswatini. This follows comments by a US economist.
Media reports that cite Swaziland News say that Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini invited US economist Jeffrey Sachs for Cabinet level talks in April. They say Sachs suggested Eswatini should establish diplomatic ties with China for economic benefits. Taiwan’s foreign ministry says the two sides still have strong ties.
Hsiao Kuang-wei (SPOKESPERSON, FOREIGN MINISTRY):
The views expressed by this foreign scholar are purely his personal opinions. His remarks also sparked concern in Eswatini’s parliament drawing strong concern and questions from several pro-Taiwan lawmakers. This fully demonstrates the strength and stability of Taiwan–Eswatini ties.
REPORTER:
The ministry says President Lai Ching-te visited Eswatini in May, and bilateral ties remain stable and friendly.
