Relationship dossier
People's Republic of China
Eswatini
Relationship assessment
A Taiwan-related divide prevents diplomatic relations between China and Eswatini.
People's Republic of China toward Eswatini
-25China’s one-China diplomatic policy conditions formal relations on recognition of the People’s Republic of China. Eswatini’s diplomatic relations with Taiwan are incompatible with that condition.
Eswatini toward People's Republic of China
-25Eswatini maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan rather than recognizing the People’s Republic of China, preventing formal diplomatic relations with China.
Overall relationship
-25The relationship is shaped chiefly by Eswatini’s recognition of Taiwan and China’s one-China condition for establishing diplomatic relations. This fundamental disagreement limits bilateral engagement, though the extent of contacts outside formal diplomacy is unclear.
How to read these scores
Scores are rough judgments, not objective measurements or current verification. Directional scores describe government policy and conduct, not public opinion. The overall score is an independent estimate, never an average.
- −100
- Extreme sustained hostility
- −50
- Substantially adversarial
- 0
- Mixed or neutral, supported by knowledge
- +50
- Substantially cooperative
- +100
- Exceptionally close sustained partnership
“Not assessed” means there is no recorded score. Pair existence makes no claim about diplomatic recognition or established relations.
Relationship context
Overview
China and Eswatini do not maintain diplomatic relations. Eswatini maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, while China requires recognition of the People’s Republic of China as a condition for diplomatic relations. This Taiwan-related divide is the central feature of the bilateral relationship.
Areas of tension
- Eswatini’s diplomatic relations with Taiwan conflict with China’s one-China condition for diplomatic relations.
Major uncertainties
- The extent of any non-diplomatic government contacts between China and Eswatini is unclear.
- The details and practical effects of China’s engagement with Eswatini outside formal diplomatic relations are unclear.