The Eswatini government has pushed back against a travel advisory issued by the People’s Republic of China warning its nationals about safety risks in the Kingdom, saying the advisory misrepresents the country’s security situation.
The government statement, issued on 26 August 2026 by Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli, acknowledged China’s right to issue consular guidance to its citizens but rejected any suggestion that Eswatini poses a generalised or exceptional security risk.
The advisory followed a recent law enforcement operation targeting foreign nationals, the majority of them Chinese, who were suspected of involvement in organised cyber-related criminal activity. The government said the operation was detected, disrupted and processed through the country’s legal system.
“Far from demonstrating a failure of public security, it affirms the vigilance and effectiveness of the Kingdom’s law-enforcement institutions,” the statement read.
The government rejected any attempt to frame the isolated criminal operation as proof that Eswatini is a hub for systemic criminality or cybercrime, saying the Kingdom remains a peaceful, stable and law-governed state where citizens, residents and visitors of all nationalities are protected under the Constitution.
The statement also addressed what it described as attempts to pressure the Kingdom over its sovereign decisions.
“The Kingdom will not be coerced, disadvantaged or destabilised on account of the lawful exercise of its sovereignty,” it stated.
Eswatini, a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, said it seeks friendship with all nations and remains open to international engagement based on sovereign equality, mutual respect and non-interference.
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