CHINESE ENGAGEMENT IN SWAZILAND

UNCLAS MBABANE 000061 SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/RSA (LMAZEL, LGRIESMER, RBOWLES); AF/S (MHARRIS) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL EAID CN WZ SUBJECT: CHINESE ENGAGEMENT IN SWAZILAND Ref: State 10152 ¶1. The Kingdom of Swaziland recognizes the Republic of China (Taiwan) as the sole representative of China, and does not have diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. The PRC does not engage Swaziland or have development initiatives with the country. Mainland Chinese workers do outnumber Taiwanese workers in the country, and are primarily employed by Taiwanese-run textile companies operating in the urban areas of Manzini and Matsapha. ¶2. Swaziland appreciates its special relationship with Taiwan, and enjoys economic and development assistance from the ROC. There has been no local debate over a possible shift in diplomatic recognition, and we expect the government to continue its relationship with Taiwan. ¶3. There are no examples of U.S.- Chinese (PRC) collaboration within Swaziland. ¶4. Due to Swaziland's recognition of the ROC, post does not envision any potential areas for U.S.-China (PRC) collaboration. Some possible interactions could arise through Chinese engagement with the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC),of which Swaziland is a member. IRVING