South Africa has requested that Taiwan relocate its de facto embassy from Pretoria to Johannesburg, giving Taipei six months to make the move.
This decision underscores Beijing’s growing influence among developing nations. While Taipei accuses Pretoria of yielding to Chinese pressure, Beijing has welcomed the move.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, stated, “The One China principle is the foundation for China’s diplomatic relations. We appreciate South Africa’s decision to relocate the Taipei liaison office from Pretoria. Taiwan independence is unpopular and doomed to fail.”
China established its embassy in South Africa in 1998, following Pretoria’s severance of formal ties with Taiwan, over which Beijing claims sovereignty. However, South Africa has continued to maintain unofficial relations with Taiwan.
This development occurs amidst rising tensions between Beijing and Taipei. Taiwan recently celebrated its national day, rejecting China’s sovereignty claims, while China conducted military drills near Taiwan shortly thereafter.
China is South Africa’s largest global trading partner, and both nations aim to enhance cooperation. They are also members of the BRICS bloc, which will hold its annual summit in Russia next week.