We use cookies on this website. By continuing to use this site without changing your cookie settings, you agree that you are happy to accept our privacy policy and for us to access our cookies on your device.
Transcript/Script((PLAYBOOK SLUG: ESWATINI-TAIWAN RELATIONS - Musi
HEADLINE: In Africa, Eswatini Taiwan Relationship is One of a Kind
TEASER: Experts say Eswatini’s monarchy is choosing friends based on ideology and not economic benefits.
PUBLISHED AT:
BYLINE: Nokukhanya Musi
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: MANZINI, ESWATINI
VIDEOGRAPHER: Samkeliso Sibandze
VIDEO EDITOR: Sibusiso Dlamini
PRODUCER:
ASSIGNING EDITOR: Elizabeth Lee
SCRIPT EDITORS: Salem Solomon, ELee, KEnochs, Bill Ide
VIDEO SOURCE (S): VOA original, Skype
PLATFORMS: WEB __ TV X RADIO X
TRT: 3:05
VID APPROVED BY: KE
TYPE: TVPKG/RADIO
EDITOR NOTES: ))
((INTRO))
[[This year marks the 55th anniversary of relations between Taiwan and the small landlocked country of Eswatini in the southern part of Africa. VOA’s Nokukhanya Musi examines why Eswatini has continued to recognize the government of Taiwan instead of China when most countries, including the U.S., have official ties with Beijing.]]
((NARRATOR))
Eswatini is the last remaining African country that maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan. It’s one of only 12 nations, along with the Vatican to have diplomatic ties with Taiwan, an island nation Beijing considers to be a part of China.
A shared commitment to democracy and human rights has helped keep the relationship strong, says Jeremy Liang, Taiwan’s ambassador to Eswatini.
((Jeremy Liang, Taiwan Ambassador to Eswatini)) ((Male, in English))
“We both benefit a lot. For Taiwan, we have Eswatini as a very strong supporter for our international participation and Taiwan is a responsible member of the international community...”
((NARRATOR))
Eswatini, which is also called Swaziland, continues to lobby for Taiwan’s international recognition. Taiwan, on the other hand, continues to send millions of dollars in foreign aid and investment,
((Mandatory courtesy: The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan))
in funding schools, hospitals, businesses, rural electrification, and infrastructure projects, such as a new airport. ((End credit))
((Mandatory courtesy: The Eswatini Government))
But the relationship with Taiwan has come at a price. In 2020, China banned imports of sugar from Eswatini, which is one of the country's main exports. ((End credit))
But Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli says Eswatini is choosing ideology over economic benefits.
[[Radio track: Thabile Mdluli is Eswatini’s government deputy spokesperson.]]
((Thabile Mdluli, Eswatini Government Deputy Spokesperson)) ((Female, English))
“Taiwan is a democratic state, and they are a beacon of democracy and should be given a chance as well to participate in the U.N. and all other forums that are there because Taiwan can make their voice heard as well like all other countries in the world.”
((NARRATOR))
Beijing considers Taiwan a part of China with no right to official diplomatic ties, which Taiwan’s democratic government disputes.
[[Radio track: Sibusiso Nhlabatsi is a legal clinic principal at the University of Eswatini and an attorney of the High Court of Eswatini.]]
((Sibusio Nhlabatsi, University of Eswatini)) ((Male, English))
“The posture that Swaziland has taken as an ally of Taiwan all these years means it’s a total rejection of mainland China. Eswatini has always unapologetically supported Taiwan.”
((NARRATOR))
Some opposition members, including Mlungisi Makhanya, say Eswatini should switch recognition to China.
[[Radio track: Mlungisi Makhanya with the People´s United Democratic Movement, or PUDEMO, says that the current diplomatic relationship is not in the best interest of the people.]]
((Mlungisi Makhanya, People´s United Democratic Movement)) ((Male, in English))
For 55 years we have made insignificant progress in all areas of development. In critical areas such as infrastructure development, healthcare advances, education, railways, and technology you can look at energy independence. This is mainly due to our poor choices.”
((NARRATOR))
Even with these voices of support in favor of China, The Kingdom of Eswatini, with its monarchy, continues to stand by its decision to maintain strong diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
((Nokukhaya Musi, VOA News, Manzini, Eswatini))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
