Eswatini has pushed back after Beijing accused some of its politicians of being “kept and fed” by Taipei

China has condemned Eswatini for hosting Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, accusing the southern African kingdom of giving a platform to “Taiwan independence,” in an escalating diplomatic row.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters on Wednesday that Beijing opposes Eswatini’s decision to receive Lai, who arrived in the kingdom on Saturday for a three-day visit after Taipei said several African states had revoked overflight permits under Chinese pressure.

“Some politicians in Eswatini are kept and fed by Taiwan and provide space for ‘Taiwan independence,’ going against the tide of history.…