A week after Beijing hosted the China-Africa Summit, which excluded the Polisario Front despite Algerian pressure, China reaffirmed its non-recognition of the separatist front's «republic». «Fifty-three out of 54 African countries and the African Union participated in the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation», Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Li Jian stated in a tweet. The African Union has 54 member states, including the Polisario Front, which joined the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union) in 1984, capitalizing on the tensions between the Eastern and Western blocs. 53 out of all 54 #African countries & the AU participated in #FOCAC2024. The #OneChina principle is an overwhelming consensus of the international community. We believe #Eswatini will eventually recognize the global trend & make the right decision accordingly.#ChinaAfrica… pic.twitter.com/VpZLzVNreW — Lin Jian 林剑 (@SpoxCHN_LinJian) September 10, 2024 In addition to the Polisario Front, the Kingdom of Eswatini was absent from the summit due to its recognition of the Republic of Taiwan, which China considers an integral part of its territory. «The one-China principle is an overwhelming consensus of the international community. We believe Eswatini will eventually recognize the global trend and make the right decision accordingly'', the Chinese diplomat added.
