Origin of Fake News Targeting Taiwan's Ambassador to Eswatini Traced to China-Funded South African Media

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has vehemently denied and exposed a disinformation campaign targeting its ambassador to Eswatini, Liang Hung-Sheng. The fabricated reports of corruption, which surfaced just before President Lai Ching-te's visit to Eswatini, were traced back to a South African media outlet funded by China. This incident is not an isolated event; it represents a typical pattern of cognitive warfare aimed at undermining Taiwan's international standing and its diplomatic efforts. National security agencies have further identified social media collaborators who amplified these false narratives, noting their online activities show a strong connection to China. This coordinated effort not only discredits Taiwan's ambassador but also aims to shatter the illusion of peace and friendliness promoted by certain cross-strait dialogues, exposing the deceptive nature of such narratives. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges the public to remain vigilant against such malicious disinformation, emphasizing that these attacks often coincide with high-level diplomatic engagements. By exposing the source and methods of this fake news, Taiwan asserts its commitment to transparency and defends the integrity of its diplomatic personnel and national interests against foreign interference.