China has indicated it will block Eswatini’s attempt to join BRICS, the Swaziland Times reports.
The decision is related to broader geopolitical considerations, including its stance on Taiwan.
Beijing views Taiwan as a renegade province and has long sought to isolate it diplomatically, pressuring countries to sever ties with Taipei in favour of recognising the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the legitimate Chinese government. Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which puts it at odds with China’s preferences.
