South Africa has downgraded its diplomatic relations with Taiwan by renaming its unofficial embassy to “Taipei Commercial Office” amidst pressures from China. A mandate was issued for Taiwan to relocate its office, reflecting South Africa’s alignment with the One-China policy. Taiwan has protested these actions, viewing them as coercion from Beijing, while relations with the United States remain strained due to previous diplomatic conflicts under the Trump administration.
South Africa has recently downgraded its diplomatic relationships with Taiwan, leading to significant changes in the representation of Taiwan in the country. Following increased pressure from China, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation has reclassified Taiwan’s unofficial embassy from the “Taipei Liaison Office” to the “Taipei Commercial Office”. This alteration reflects a trend towards strengthening ties with Beijing while adhering to the One-China policy amidst a previous diplomatic spat with the United States during the Trump administration.
As part of this shift, South Africa mandated that Taiwan must change the designation of its representative office by the end of March and relocate it from Pretoria to Johannesburg, effectively addressing the office’s status as a mere trade facility rather than an independent diplomatic entity. Taiwan has protested this decision, interpreting it as coercive pressure from China and indicative of increasing suppression against the island. At present, Taiwan only maintains formal diplomatic relations with 12 countries worldwide, with Eswatini being its sole ally on the African continent.
South Africa officially severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1997. However, the decision to relocate Taiwan’s office away from the capital symbolizes a further step in diminishing such ties. The South African government claims this action is a true representation of the non-political relationship with Taiwan. In response, Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-long hinted at potential reciprocation by considering the closure of South Africa’s liaison office in Taiwan, which would adversely affect travel and trade exchanges.
China’s influence in South Africa has grown substantially, as reflected in the latter’ relations with Beijing, its largest trading partner. The Chinese foreign ministry expressed approval over South Africa’s decision to shift Taiwan’s office, asserting support for the One-China policy while discrediting Taiwanese independence aims. Moreover, prominent figures within the Chinese government have assured South Africa of a steadfast friendship and partnership.
The historical context of tensions between the United States and South Africa is also highlighted, particularly during the Trump administration, which saw the expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador amidst accusations of racially charged political discourse. Trump’s administration criticized South Africa’s domestic and foreign policies, contributing to the strain in bilateral relations. These developments mark a significant realignment within South Africa’s diplomatic engagements on the international stage.
In summary, South Africa’s renaming of Taiwan’s unofficial office to “Taipei Commercial Office” and the required relocation symbolize a tangible shift towards closer ties with China while diminishing its relationship with Taiwan. The pressure from Beijing has intensified, leading Taiwan to protest these changes as unjustifiable. Additionally, historical tensions with the United States further complicate South Africa’s diplomatic landscape, showcasing the evolving dynamics of international relations in the region.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
