Taiwan has reported that South Africa has given the island until the end of March to move its de facto embassy from Pretoria, with the Taiwanese Foreign Ministry attributing the decision to increasing pressure from China.
Since severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1997, South Africa has maintained strong relations exclusively with China, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory and opposes any form of diplomatic recognition for the island.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that South Africa had sent a letter in late January, demanding the Taiwanese mission in Pretoria be relocated by March and renamed a “trade office.” Taiwan’s Ministry expressed concern, stating that the move “shows China’s suppression against us in South Africa is becoming more serious,” while confirming that discussions between the two nations are ongoing.
China’s Foreign Ministry responded, emphasizing South Africa’s role as a “good friend and partner,” reiterating the importance of upholding the “One China” principle, which asserts Taiwan as part of China. “Taiwan independence does not enjoy popular support, and will fail,” the ministry declared.
Despite the diplomatic tension, Taiwan’s de facto embassy in South Africa declined to comment on the situation. This follows an earlier request from South Africa in 2023 for the Taipei Liaison Office to vacate Pretoria.
China remains South Africa’s largest trading partner, with both countries looking to enhance cooperation, particularly in renewable energy sectors. Taiwan, however, maintains its stance of rejecting China’s sovereignty claims, asserting its right to establish relations with other nations. Among African countries, Taiwan only has one remaining diplomatic ally: Eswatini, which is almost entirely surrounded by South Africa.
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