By Zweli Martin Dlamini

PRETORIA:China will oppose the intention by the eSwatini Government to join and benefit from BRICS,diplomatic sources within the Chinese Embassy told this Swaziland News.

BRICS stands for and is an organization founded by Brazil,Russia,India,China and South Africa,it seeks to enhance economic integration and promote trade among the countries.

The diplomatic sources told this journalist that they were aware of an alleged intention by eSwatini to join BRICS but clarified that,it would be impossible as China will definitely object.

“We will definitely object, there’s no way eSwatini could undermine China’s Sovereignty by establishing diplomatic relations with our Province and then join BRICS, this would mean eSwatini is seeking to benefit from both sides without respecting the United Nations(UN) Resolution that confirmed the One-China principle.We are noting that, despite refusing to recognize the One China Principle, eSwatini continues to benefit indirectly from China through our diplomatic partners and the move to join BRICS is part of that hypocrisy”, said the source.

The Times of eSwatini reported on Sunday that eSwatini might join BRICS.

Retiring eSwatini Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo had not responded at the time of compiling this report.

On another note, this week,Lin Jian,the Spokesperson in the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said,they were opposed to the recent visit by Prime Minister(PM) Russell Mmiso Dlamini to Taiwan.

“We noted the recent visit to Taiwan by the Prime Minister of Eswatini Russell Mmiso Dlamini,this is a grave provocation to the one-China principle and China’s Sovereignty, China firmly opposes this.

There is but one China in the world,Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China”, said the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson in an article published by this Swaziland News.

Eswatini has about 70% of the population living below the poverty line,Taiwan is funding King Mswati’s extravagant lifestyle.