By Zweli Martin Dlamini

EZULWINI: Jeffery Sachs, an American Economist has urged Eswatini to, as a matter of urgency, establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for economic benefits amid rapid shift in the global geo-economic landscape.

The highly regarded global Economist was virtually making a presentation during the Cabinet retreat held at the Royal Villas-Ezulwini last week, a few days before King Mswati delivered the Speech from the Throne, marking the official opening of the third (3rd) Session of the Eswatini 12th Parliament.

Sachs was invited by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini to provide a credible economic advice to the Cabinet or Government, the Economist stated in no uncertain terms that, “Eswatini is wasting time by holding on to Taiwan” and maintaining diplomatic relations with the Chinese Province.

“You are wasting time with your Taiwan, the world including Africa, is moving towards China,” said the highly respected global Economist.

But according to royal insiders, Taiwan Ambassador Jeremy Liang allegedly made attempts to meet King Mswati last weekend after the official opening of Parliament to report Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini and it has been disclosed that, the “Ambassador is accusing the PM of threatening what he describes as warm diplomatic relations between Eswatini and Taiwan”.

Reached for comments by this Swaziland News, the Taiwan Ambassador declined to comment and referred this publication to the Government.

“I have no comment, speak to the Government,” said the Taiwan Ambassador.

Efforts to seek a comment from Acting Eswatini Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli proved unsuccessful at the time of compiling this report.

But it has been disclosed that, there was a moment of silence at the Royal Villas-Ezulwini as Cabinet Ministers “listen attentively to the United States Economist’s presentation”, the Chinese issue is regarded as a very sensitive diplomatic topic within the tiny Kingdom with Taiwan bullying politicians who dare advocate for the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Mainland China.

But in terms of the United Nations Resolution 2758 of 1971, Taiwan is regarded as a Chinese Province after the UN Security Council adopted the “One China Policy” and as result, countries cannot simultaneously establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China while recognizing Taiwan as an independent State.

On another note, during the recent African Union (AU) Summit, China announced zero trade tariff for all African countries with diplomatic relations with China, the decision is highly expected to promote trade, enhance economic growth and development within the African continent, Eswatini was excluded for maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Jeffrey Sachs is a world-renowned American Economist and a Professor at the University of Columbia who is regarded as a leader in sustainable development, advocating for global cooperation and sustainable development policies.