Key facts
- Eswatini is Taiwan's only remaining diplomatic ally in Africa.
- Eswatini is also Africa's only absolute monarchy.
- Taiwan provides financial assistance to Eswatini.
- China's "One China" principle forces countries to choose between recognizing Beijing or Taipei.
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is the only African country that formally recognizes Taiwan, a fact closely linked to its status as the continent's only absolute monarchy. This diplomatic relationship is maintained despite Eswatini's neighbors recognizing Beijing. Taiwan and the People's Republic of China (PRC) have been engaged in a long-standing competition for diplomatic recognition since the end of the Chinese Civil War. While Taiwan initially held an advantage, UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 in 1971 tilted the balance in favor of the PRC. Both sides have since used economic assistance, loans, and trade to vie for support, a practice known as "dollar diplomacy." Taiwan's ability to compete has diminished as China's economy has grown significantly.