China: On Wednesday, China accused Taiwan's authorities of using "dollar diplomacy" to advance its independence agenda, following media reports that alleged Taipei provided millions of dollars in funding to Eswatini, its only remaining diplomatic ally in Africa. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning indicated that the reports revealed "how far the Lai Ching-te authorities would go to selfishly advance their 'Taiwan independence' agenda."

According to Anadolu Agency, Mao Ning stated that the practice of expensive dollar diplomacy, described as a combination of corruption, fraudulence, bribery, and money for abuse of power, has significantly burdened the people in Taiwan. The accusations were a response to reports alleging that Taiwan provided Eswatini with NT$25 billion (US$795 million) before and after Taiwanese leader William Ching-te Lai's recent visit to the African kingdom. The reports further claimed that income from related projects would benefit the king and royal family, as well as Taiwan's representatives in the country.

Lai's visit to Eswatini last month was highlighted as part of the ongoing diplomatic relationship. Mao alleged that maintaining ties with Eswatini was not intended to improve the welfare of ordinary people but to benefit a small group of individuals. She described the relationship as political theatrics steeped in greed and graft, suggesting that the real intent was to enrich a select few rather than deliver tangible benefits to the people.

Reaffirming Beijing's one-China policy, Mao noted that China had extended zero-tariff treatment this year to all 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing, creating new opportunities for trade and economic growth. Eswatini remains the only African nation with formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, as Beijing has steadily reduced Taiwan's diplomatic partners in recent years with more countries switching recognition to China.

Separately, the 18th Straits Forum, the largest annual grassroots exchange event between mainland China and Taiwan, is set to be held in China's Fujian province in mid-June, with the main conference scheduled for June 13 in Xiamen. Officials announced that the forum will feature 58 activities focused on grassroots, youth, cultural, and economic exchanges, aimed at expanding cross-strait people-to-people contacts and promoting integrated development.