TAIWAN has firmly rejected South Africa’s demand to relocate its representative office from the capital, Pretoria, to Johannesburg, calling the request a breach of a long-standing agreement. Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Jeff Liu, announced on Tuesday that this demand violated a 1997 arrangement between the two countries concerning the locations of their representative offices, which was established after formal diplomatic relations were severed.
Liu made it clear that Taiwan could not agree to such an ‘unreasonable demand’ and would not be moving its office from Pretoria. ‘Our side cannot grant our acceptance,’ Liu said during a news conference.
South Africa has maintained a liaison office in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, and the two countries continue to share a strong commercial relationship despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties.
Prepared for any outcome
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister, Lin Chia-lung, reiterated the nation’s preparedness to face any consequences arising from this dispute. Speaking at the legislature on Monday, Lin asserted that Taiwan would stand firm on its right to decide the location and status of its diplomatic properties. Liu echoed this sentiment, stating that the office in Pretoria was Taiwanese property, and it is up to Taipei to determine its future.
The move is widely seen as South Africa bowing to pressure from China, which has consistently sought to diminish Taiwan’s international presence. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to annex the island if necessary. Over the years, China has used its influence to block Taiwan from joining international organisations like the United Nations and the World Health Organisation, while also limiting its formal diplomatic partners to just 11 countries and the Vatican.
Chinese influence and pressure
South Africa confirmed last week that it had asked Taiwan to relocate its office, in what is believed to be a concession to China’s influence. Beijing has increasingly exerted diplomatic and economic pressure to isolate Taiwan, while also stepping up military threats. Recently, China conducted large-scale live-fire drills near its coastal province of Fujian, which faces Taiwan, further escalating tensions in the region.
The strained diplomatic landscape between China and Taiwan has forced many nations to walk a tightrope in their relations with both. South Africa’s demand is another example of how China’s political and economic clout influences global diplomatic decisions regarding Taiwan’s international standing.
While South Africa maintains commercial ties with Taiwan, this latest development casts uncertainty on the future of their relationship. Taiwan’s firm stance indicates that it is unwilling to make concessions under external pressure, further solidifying its determination to maintain its diplomatic and political independence.
Taiwan continues to retain robust unofficial ties with major global players like the US, despite China’s efforts to limit its international influence.
