South Africa has requested that Taiwan relocate its unofficial embassy from the capital city, Pretoria, in a move aimed at appeasing its ally, China. The South African foreign ministry announced on Friday that Taiwan had been given a six-month timeframe to move its “liaison office” to Johannesburg, the country’s commercial hub. This decision was conveyed to China last month by South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola during the China-Africa summit.
Although South Africa terminated formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1997, over China’s claim of sovereignty, the two countries maintain an unofficial diplomatic relationship, as do many others. The request comes amidst escalating tensions between China and Taiwan, with Taiwan celebrating its government’s founding and national day this month while rejecting China’s sovereignty claims. In response, China conducted significant military exercises near Taiwan.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed appreciation for South Africa’s decision, stating that Taiwan’s independence is unpopular and destined to fail. Taiwan’s Foreign Minister, Lin Chia-long, mentioned that they would consider closing South Africa’s liaison office in Taiwan, potentially impacting travel, trade, and education exchanges.
Both China and South Africa are members of the BRICS bloc of developing economies, set to host its annual summit in Kazan, Russia, next week. China stands as South Africa’s largest trading partner. The relocation of Taiwan’s office from Pretoria is seen as affirming the non-political and non-diplomatic nature of the South Africa-Taiwan relationship. The office will be rebranded as a “trade office,” according to the South African foreign ministry.
This move marks a significant development in the evolving dynamics between South Africa, Taiwan, and China, amid broader geopolitical shifts within the region. The decision reflects South Africa’s commitment to maintaining delicate diplomatic balances while navigating international relations. The repercussions of this relocation are likely to be closely watched by other nations with similar diplomatic ties to Taiwan.