Chinese nationals living in Eswatini remain safe, with government clarifying that the recent law-enforcement operation involving some Chinese citizens was linked to individuals under investigation for alleged online gambling-related criminal activities.
Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said the operation should not be interpreted as a reflection of a broader security threat against Chinese nationals or other foreign nationals living in the Kingdom.
The clarification follows a travel advisory issued by the People’s Republic of China concerning its nationals in Eswatini, in which it advised its citizens to leave the country, citing security concerns and noting Eswatini’s diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its Consular Affairs Department, cited “rampant cyber fraud and online gambling criminal activities” among the security concerns raised.
Mdluli said the individuals involved were subjected to due process in accordance with Eswatini’s laws, adding that the country remained committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all people within its borders.
“The issue at hand involved individuals who were under investigation for alleged criminal activities. It does not mean that Chinese nationals or other foreign nationals are unsafe in Eswatini,” Mdluli said.
She said Eswatini remained a peaceful and stable country where citizens, residents and visitors enjoy protection under the Constitution and the law.
The acting government spokesperson said government acknowledged China’s right to provide consular guidance to its citizens, but maintained that any suggestion that Eswatini posed a general security risk was not supported by the country’s prevailing security situation.
Mdluli said the law-enforcement operation demonstrated the effectiveness of Eswatini’s security institutions in identifying and addressing suspected criminal activities.
She said government further rejected attempts to portray the investigation as evidence of widespread criminality, reaffirming Eswatini’s commitment to maintaining a safe environment for all residents and visitors.
