Mbabane, Eswatini (Running Africa) — China has advised its citizens to leave Eswatini, warning of serious security risks linked to cyber fraud, illegal gambling and other criminal activities as reports emerge that 40 Chinese nationals remain in detention in the southern African kingdom.
The advisory recommends that Chinese citizens currently in Eswatini consider relocating to safer neighboring countries, including South Africa, while warning that those who choose to remain could face “extremely high security risks” and limited access to consular assistance.
The warning comes amid a dispute surrounding 40 Chinese nationals reportedly re-arrested while attempting to leave Eswatini after earlier police operations targeting suspected illegal online gambling centers in and around the capital, Mbabane.
The development also carries wider diplomatic significance because Eswatini remains Taiwan’s only formal diplomatic ally in Africa, making the kingdom a longstanding point of tension between Beijing and Taipei.
China Advises Citizens to Leave Eswatini
Chinese authorities have issued an unusually strong security warning to nationals living in or travelling through Eswatini.
The advisory cites risks associated with cyber fraud, illegal online gambling and criminal activity, urging citizens to assess their circumstances and consider leaving the country.
China also warned that its ability to provide consular support could be limited, an important consideration given the absence of formal diplomatic relations between Beijing and Mbabane.
Chinese citizens seeking to relocate were advised to consider neighboring countries with comparatively safer conditions and greater access to consular services.
40 Chinese Nationals Reportedly Detained in Eswatini
The advisory comes as questions grow over the detention of 40 Chinese nationals linked to suspected illegal online gambling operations.
According to local media reports, the group was initially detained following police raids on suspected gambling centers in and around Mbabane.
The individuals reportedly pleaded guilty to immigration-related offences and paid fines imposed by the courts.
They were subsequently released by the High Court but were reportedly detained again while attempting to leave the country.
The circumstances surrounding their re-arrest remain an important part of the developing case.
Eswatini Targets Suspected Illegal Online Gambling Operations
Authorities in Eswatini have been investigating suspected online gambling and cyber-related operations, bringing increased scrutiny to foreign nationals allegedly connected to the businesses.
China’s warning suggests Beijing is concerned not only about the treatment of its citizens but also about the wider risks Chinese nationals could face through involvement with illegal or poorly regulated activities.
Cyber fraud networks have become an increasingly significant transnational crime concern, with criminal operations capable of recruiting workers from multiple countries and targeting victims across borders.
The allegations involving those detained in Eswatini remain subject to the country’s legal processes.
Eswatini’s Taiwan Ties Complicate Relations With China
The dispute is unfolding against an unusual diplomatic backdrop.
Eswatini is the only African country that continues to maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, rather than the People’s Republic of China.
Most African governments have switched recognition from Taipei to Beijing under China’s One China policy, leaving Eswatini as Taiwan’s final diplomatic partner on the continent.
That relationship has long created tensions with Beijing, which considers Taiwan part of China and opposes official diplomatic engagement between Taipei and other governments.
Taiwan President’s Eswatini Visit Fueled Beijing Tensions
Those tensions have become increasingly visible.
Beijing reportedly sought to complicate Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s travel to Eswatini before later criticizing his visit to the kingdom in May.
For Eswatini, maintaining ties with Taiwan has distinguished its foreign policy from the rest of Africa, even as China has dramatically expanded its economic and diplomatic influence across the continent.
The latest security advisory therefore arrives in an environment where relations between Mbabane and Beijing were already strained.
China Previously Excluded Eswatini From Africa Tariff-Free Trade Policy
Economic relations have also reflected the diplomatic divide.
China previously excluded Eswatini from a tariff-free trade initiative extended to other African countries, highlighting the consequences of the kingdom’s continued recognition of Taiwan.
That exclusion demonstrated how diplomatic recognition can intersect with trade policy as Beijing deepens commercial relationships across Africa.
The latest warning to Chinese citizens adds another layer to those tensions.
Security Dispute Adds New Pressure to China-Eswatini Relations
China’s recommendation that its citizens leave Eswatini represents a significant development in an already complicated relationship.
While Beijing has framed the advisory around security concerns involving cyber fraud, illegal gambling and criminal activity, it comes against the backdrop of Eswatini’s diplomatic relationship with Taiwan and its lack of formal ties with China.
The reported detention of 40 Chinese nationals will now be closely watched, particularly as questions remain over why they were re-arrested after reportedly paying fines and securing their release.
For Eswatini, the dispute brings together two increasingly important issues: the fight against alleged transnational cybercrime and the kingdom’s unique position as Taiwan’s last diplomatic ally in Africa.
