China's foreign ministry has advised its citizens to leave the southern African kingdom of Eswatini due to "security risks," including "rampant cyber fraud and criminal activities associated with gambling."

Eswatini is one of 12 countries globally, and the only one in Africa, that maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a territory claimed by China.

According to the privately owned Times of Eswatini news site, 40 Chinese nationals have been detained since last month after being arrested while attempting to leave Eswatini. These arrests followed raids in March on alleged illegal online gambling centers in the capital city, Mbabane, and surrounding areas, which also involved dozens of other foreign nationals.

The detainees' lawyers reported to the attorney general and home affairs ministry that their clients had pleaded guilty to immigration-related offenses and paid fines imposed by the courts. The High Court ordered their release, stating that their re-arrest was unlawful.

The situation led to the cancellation of a trip originally planned for 22-26 April to mark the 40th anniversary of Eswatini's King Mswati III's accession.

China's foreign ministry suggested that its citizens relocate to "relatively safer" countries such as neighboring South Africa. Following the developments, Beijing's foreign ministry criticized Lai, stating he had become "an international laughing stock."

Sources