China Excludes Eswatini from Zero-Tariff African Trade Deal; Expert Calls Policy 'Grand External Propaganda'

China's decision to grant zero-tariff access to 53 African nations, while pointedly excluding Eswatini, highlights the complex geopolitical maneuvering at play. As President Lai Ching-te embarks on a visit to Eswatini, Taiwan's only diplomatic ally in Africa, this trade policy from Beijing carries significant weight. Professor Yeh Yao-yuan of St. Thomas University points out that China's offer is largely a facade, driven by its own economic struggles, including overcapacity and a sluggish domestic market.

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China's production capacity is excessive, and the economy is not good. Now, even its own products cannot be consumed domestically, so will it buy African products?

Yeh argues that China's primary motivation is not genuine economic benefit for African nations, but rather a strategic move to isolate Taiwan. By excluding Eswatini, China aims to pressure Taiwan's diplomatic standing. However, Yeh notes that Eswatini's economic independence from China renders the zero-tariff policy largely irrelevant to its own market. The professor emphasizes that China's investments in Africa through the Belt and Road Initiative often prioritize Chinese labor and products, with limited benefit to local economies.

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Excluding Eswatini is, on the one hand, to attack Taiwan's allies. But interestingly, Eswatini does not rely on the Chinese market, so zero tariffs or not makes no difference.

Ultimately, Yeh characterizes China's policy as "hollow promises" and "grand external propaganda." The exclusion of Eswatini, coupled with the limited economic advantages for other African nations, suggests that Beijing's actions are more about asserting political influence and undermining Taiwan's international presence than fostering genuine trade partnerships. This move underscores the ongoing competition for influence in Africa and the strategic importance of Taiwan's remaining allies.

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To understand these situations clearly, one realizes that the policies proposed by China are nothing more than grand external propaganda designed to fool people.