China tells citizens to leave Eswatini over security risks

China has told its citizens and institutions to leave Eswatini as soon as possible or move to safer areas such as South Africa, citing security risks in the African kingdom, one of Taiwan's remaining diplomatic allies.

The consular affairs department of China's foreign ministry issued the advice on August 25. It cited security concerns including "rampant cyber fraud and online gambling criminal activities" and warned that people who travel to or remain in Eswatini face "extremely high security risks" and could receive slower consular assistance.

It was not immediately clear how many Chinese citizens live or work in Eswatini.

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is one of 12 countries that recognise Taiwan. Beijing claims Taiwan as part of China and opposes the self-governed island's international exchanges.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te travelled to Eswatini in May, when Taipei accused Beijing of trying to derail the trip by pressuring nearby countries to revoke overflight permits. China extended a zero-tariff policy on May 1 to all African countries except Eswatini.