On a recent Friday, South Africa’s government directed the Taipei Liaison Office — Taiwan’s de facto embassy — to rebrand itself as a “Trade Office” and relocate from Pretoria. This move sparked immediate backlash from Taiwan, which accused South Africa of bowing to pressure from China. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) articulated its strong discontent, indicating that should South Africa persist in altering the situation in favor of China, it would consider a range of responses to protect its sovereignty and national pride. In contrast, the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) argued that this rebranding would better reflect the non-political nature of South Africa’s relationship with Taiwan. China’s foreign ministry congratulated South Africa on its decision, viewing it as a validation of its stance against Taiwan’s diplomatic endeavors.
Taiwan’s connection to South Africa dates back to the 1990s when it opened an office in Pretoria to manage various trade and diplomatic tasks, akin to its operations in other friendly nations like the USA and the UK. In 1997, South Africa agreed to allow this office to function even after establishing formal ties with the People’s Republic of China. Following the severance of diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1998, the office continued to operate under the designation of Taipei Liaison Office. This designation, which refers to Taiwan’s capital rather than explicitly labeling the office as representative of Taiwan, is sometimes accepted by China to ease diplomatic tensions.
After Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in August 2023, pressure mounted on South Africa to push for Taiwan’s office relocation. Being a member of BRICS, an economic coalition that includes China as a founder, South Africa’s alignment with China in this context is seen as politically significant. Reports indicated that during a recent visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to a China-Africa Cooperation forum, Xi reiterated the need for South Africa to ensure that the Taipei Liaison Office was relocated. Taiwan’s Foreign Affairs Minister Lin Chia-lung made it clear that Taiwan has no intention of moving its office, emphasizing its continued operational status in Pretoria.
As the diplomatic standoff escalates, South Africa has threatened to close the Taiwanese office entirely if relocation is not executed. In a pointed defense, Taiwan references a 1997 agreement that it believes obligates South Africa to allow the office’s continued operation. Analysts suggest that internal political dynamics may have played a role in Ramaphosa’s decision, as his party, the African National Congress (ANC), faces challenges to its authority within a coalition government formed after losing its majority in the recent elections. This coalition includes parties that are less favorable towards strengthening ties with China, contributing to tensions within the government as they navigate their foreign policy stance.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), one of the coalition parties, raised concerns following South Africa’s directive to relocate Taiwan’s office. They criticized the lack of justification provided for what they described as a unilateral alteration of the established bilateral framework with Taiwan. The DA’s position highlights the internal dissent within Ramaphosa’s coalition and suggests a broader public or political sentiment that may not align with the government’s latest actions towards Taiwan. This scenario encapsulates the complex interplay of domestic and international politics that South Africa is entangled in, which could have repercussions for its international relationships moving forward.
The situation between Taiwan and South Africa reveals ongoing geopolitical tensions shaped significantly by China’s influence in the region. As nations navigate their diplomatic relationships, Taiwan finds itself in a precarious position, needing to assert its presence while facing growing pressure from a major world power. For South Africa, balancing its long-standing ties with Taiwan against a backdrop of intensified relations with China poses a diplomatic dilemma, prompting questions about the future of its foreign policy. Taiwan’s commitment to its diplomatic mission in Pretoria, albeit under external pressures, underscores its determination to maintain its sovereignty amidst shifting allegiances and pressures from larger states like China. As this situation unfolds, both Taiwan and South Africa must negotiate their positions carefully to uphold their respective national interests while managing external pressures.