Taiwan has no intention of relocating its representative office in South Africa, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung announced on Monday, October 21, amid increasing diplomatic tensions.
Speaking during a session of the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee, Lin affirmed that Taiwan’s office in Pretoria is functioning normally, as per the terms of a bilateral agreement signed in 1997 that cannot be unilaterally breached by South Africa.
On October 7, South Africa demanded Taiwan move its office to Johannesburg, threatening closure if the request was not met. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) protested the demand, with Lin calling for South Africa, as a nation governed by the rule of law, to engage in negotiations rather than take unilateral action.
Lin hinted at potential retaliatory measures, including relocating South Africa’s office out of Taipei, as officials evaluate responses. A MOFA task force has been established to manage contingency plans during ongoing discussions.
Lin also highlighted China’s growing efforts to pressure countries into reducing their engagement with Taiwan, using tactics like economic incentives. He assured that MOFA is closely monitoring these developments, including possible threats to Taiwan’s African ally, Eswatini.
To counter China’s influence, Taiwan is reinforcing diplomatic ties with Eswatini and promoting diplomacy based on democracy, peace, and prosperity, leveraging its strengths in AI and semiconductor industries.
South Africa officially cut diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1998.
