China advises citizens to leave Eswatini over security risks, citing cyber fraud and gambling

The ministry specifically mentioned "rampant cyber fraud and criminal activities associated with gambling" as concerns, recommending relocation to "relatively safer" countries like neighboring South Africa. This advisory comes after 40 Chinese nationals were reportedly detained in Eswatini last month, following earlier arrests in March during raids on alleged illegal online gambling centers. Lawyers for the detained individuals stated they had pleaded guilty to immigration offenses, paid fines, and were released by the High Court, making their re-arrest unlawful.

Eswatini's government has not yet commented. China has consistently pressured countries to sever diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Earlier this year, China removed tariffs for all African countries except Eswatini.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te visited Eswatini in May, a trip that Beijing criticized.