The South African government has set a deadline for Taiwan to move its de facto embassy from Pretoria by the end of March, according to the Taiwanese Foreign Ministry, which attributed the decision to pressure from China.
South Africa cut off formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1997, and now only maintains official, strong ties with China, which regards the democratically governed island as part of its territory, with no rights to the privileges of a sovereign state.
In a statement, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry revealed that the South African government had issued a letter in January, demanding the Taiwanese mission leave Pretoria before March’s end and be rebranded as a “trade office.”
China’s Foreign Ministry called South Africa a “close ally and partner,” explaining that the nation was merely adhering to the “One China Principle,” which asserts Taiwan as part of China.
“Taiwan independence does not have widespread support and will inevitably fail,” the ministry said in a statement to Reuters. Last year, South Africa formally requested the Taipei Liaison Office to vacate Pretoria.
A representative for South Africa’s Foreign Ministry told Reuters, “Our department is coordinating with the Taipei Liaison Office regarding administrative matters to ensure accurate representation of its diplomatic status in South Africa.”
China stands as South Africa’s largest global trading partner, and the nation aims to further strengthen cooperation in areas such as renewable energy.
Taiwan’s government rejects China’s claim to sovereignty over the island, asserting its right to establish relations with other nations.
Taiwan currently holds formal diplomatic ties with only 12 countries, with Eswatini being its sole ally in Africa, surrounded nearly entirely by South Africa.
(NAN)
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