South Africa’s government has requested Taiwan to relocate its de facto embassy from Pretoria, with Taiwan accusing South Africa of giving in to pressure from China. However, South Africa clarified that the request is in line with the diplomatic practice following the severance of political ties with Taiwan in 1997.
The Taipei liaison office in Pretoria will be transformed into a trade office and shifted to Johannesburg, as announced by the department of international relations and cooperation. This move, to be completed within six months, signifies the non-political and non-diplomatic nature of the South Africa-Taiwan relationship.
With China being South Africa’s leading global trading partner, the country aims to enhance collaboration in sectors like renewable energy. This development emphasizes the evolving dynamics of international relations and strategic partnerships in today’s interconnected world.