In an unexpected advisory, China's foreign ministry has urged its citizens to leave the southern African nation of Eswatini due to perceived security risks. The ministry pointed to increasing instances of cyber fraud and criminal activities related to gambling as primary concerns, without providing further details. The ministry suggested that Chinese nationals should relocate to relatively safer countries such as neighboring South Africa at their earliest convenience. Notably, Eswatini is one of only 12 countries worldwide, and the sole African nation, maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan, a territory China claims as its own. Recently, 40 Chinese nationals were detained in Eswatini after being arrested while attempting to depart the country, following alleged involvement in illegal online gambling activities. The group reportedly pleaded guilty to immigration-related offenses and paid fines, but was subsequently re-arrested, a move their lawyers deemed unlawful. Eswatini's government has yet to comment on the matter. China's warning to its citizens comes amidst ongoing efforts by Beijing to persuade countries to sever diplomatic relations with Taiwan. In April, Taiwan accused China of attempting to sabotage President Lai Ching-te's planned visit to Eswatini by pressuring nearby nations to revoke overflight permits. The trip was ultimately cancelled, and Lai eventually visited Eswatini in May without disclosing the details of his travel arrangements. China recently abolished tariffs for all African countries except Eswatini, raising questions about its diplomatic intentions towards the continent. For more news from Africa, visit BBCAfrica.com, follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa, or on Instagram at bbcafrica.