Foreign Minister Joseph Wu’s aircraft touched down in Mbabane just days after President Lai Ching-te was forced to scrap his own trip. Officially, the reason was cited as “technical,” but in reality, it was a classic case of Beijing’s carrot-and-stick diplomacy. Yet, rather than surrendering, Taipei simply dispatched its next highest-ranking official. This seemingly modest gesture sent a resounding message: Taiwan has no intention of voluntarily giving up its final positions in Africa.
Eswatini remains the only nation in Africa that officially recognizes Taiwan. Among Taipei’s twelve remaining diplomatic allies, it is both the most vulnerable and the most resolute. Beijing has long conducted a systematic campaign to squeeze Taiwan out of Africa, employing everything from generous loans to direct threats. A few years ago, Burkina Faso and São Tomé and Príncipe defected to the PRC. Eswatini continues to hold out, despite immense economic pressure.
Joseph Wu’s visit is far more than a mere exchange of polite gifts. It represents a continuation of a deliberate strategy to maintain high-level engagement at any cost. Taiwanese diplomats understand that if these high-profile visits stop, allies will begin to doubt whether sticking with Taipei is worthwhile. Every such arrival serves as a public confirmation that the relationship is alive and functioning. This is particularly vital now, as China actively offers African nations a place in its sphere of influence through the Belt and Road Initiative.
This event resonates far beyond bilateral ties. In multilateral organizations, every vote from a Taiwanese ally provides an opportunity to block Beijing’s resolutions or at least force a discussion on the “Taiwan question.” Countries across the Global South are watching this duel closely. Many receive Chinese investment while simultaneously fearing over-dependence on a single superpower. Taiwan skillfully plays on these anxieties, positioning itself as an alternative partner—one that is high-tech, democratic, and does not demand political fealty in exchange for infrastructure.
Think of this diplomacy as a game of dodgeball on a playground. China is the massive, powerful player methodically knocking others out one by one. Taiwan, instead of hiding, unexpectedly steps into the center of the circle and claps its hands loudly. This bold move forces the other children to wonder: is the big player truly invincible? It is precisely this psychological effect that visits like the current one are designed to create.
Historically, Taiwan has already navigated periods of sharp diplomatic decline, most notably in the 1970s after losing its UN seat. Back then, many observers believed the matter was settled forever. However, Taipei found ways to stay in the game every time. Its current strategy is no longer about throwing money in every direction, but rather a targeted, smart diplomacy that bets on shared values, technology, and personal ties between leaders.
Ultimately, the visit to Eswatini is not just about one small African country. It is about whether Taiwan can maintain the minimum diplomatic space required to avoid becoming a completely isolated entity in the eyes of international law. As long as these trips continue, Beijing cannot claim total victory. This means the global game remains wide open.
