Eswatini Reportedly Considering China Ties, Influenced by Economist Sachs

Eswatini, Taiwan's sole remaining diplomatic ally in Africa, is reportedly considering a shift in its foreign policy, with Prime Minister Russell Dlamini allegedly promoting a proposal to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. This move, if realized, would mean severing ties with Taiwan.

According to Shen Rongqin, an associate professor at York University in Canada, the proposal is influenced by American economist Jeffrey Sachs. Shen alleges that Sachs advised Eswatini to switch its diplomatic recognition to Beijing, a suggestion that has reportedly gained traction with Prime Minister Dlamini. This has led to questions from members of Eswatini's parliament.

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Actually, Sachs's remarks need not be paid attention to. Just open China Central Television (CCTV), and whatever CCTV says, Sachs says.

Shen Rongqin has been critical of Sachs's recent pronouncements, suggesting they closely mirror Chinese state media narratives. He pointed to Sachs's condemnation of Japan and the Philippines following a meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden, while allegedly ignoring China's own aggressive actions. Shen also noted increased Chinese harassment towards Taiwan after the summit.

Sachs, who previously served as a special advisor to the UN Secretary-General and is currently a UN Sustainable Development Goals Advocate, has significant influence in Africa. Shen suggests Sachs leveraged a recent meeting with the African Group at the UN to promote Chinese interests, including advising Eswatini's cabinet on economic development. Shen characterizes Sachs as a "global Chinese propagandist" who is now pushing Eswatini towards China for economic benefits, despite his past criticisms of development economics and his controversial stances on international affairs.

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He uses this status to promote and supervise the implementation progress of the UN's 17 sustainable development goals globally, and therefore has significant influence in Africa.