TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday rejected allegations by a South African media outlet that Taiwan interfered in Eswatini’s politics.
A June 12 report by Swaziland News alleged that Taiwan’s Ambassador to Eswatini, Jeremy Liang (梁洪昇), lobbied lawmakers to remove Prime Minister Russell Dlamini through a no-confidence vote after he suggested establishing diplomatic ties with China. The report also claimed Taiwan provided rice and other assistance to help lawmakers win elections and protect Taiwan-Eswatini relations in parliament.
The ministry said Swaziland News has repeatedly targeted the Eswatini government and Taiwan’s embassy with misinformation, accusing the outlet of “willingly becoming a tool of China.” The ministry cited editor-in-chief Zweli Martin Dlamini’s May visit to China and meeting with Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun as evidence.
The ministry said the outlet previously accused Liang of involvement in corruption cases shortly before President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) visit to Eswatini earlier this year. It said the outlet has continued publishing similar reports since Lai’s visit strengthened Taiwan-Eswatini ties, seeking to drive a wedge between the two countries.
The ministry also condemned China’s use of media outlets and information channels to smear Taiwan’s cooperation with diplomatic allies.
