TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The South African government has demanded that Taiwan relocate its representative office outside of the capital, Pretoria, by the end of October, according to a person familiar with the matter.
It made the request on Oct. 7, Taiwan’s National Day reception, threatening to close the office if its demand was not met, CNA reported. South Africa said there is no room for negotiation on this issue.
The South African government has been pushing Taiwan to move its office since last year, citing UN Resolution 2758 and the "one China” principle. Despite Taiwan resisting and seeking support from G7 nations, the South African government proceeded with the ultimatum.
The source said the decision to pressure Taiwan around its National Day suggests South Africa is sacrificing its relationship with Taiwan to curry favor with China, despite its worsening domestic situation.
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) has asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to consider appropriate responses, including requesting South Africa's office in Taipei to relocate. Taiwan may implement stricter visa application reviews for South African citizens.
It could also halt educational exchanges with South Africa. Given that there are currently approximately 5,000 South African English teachers in Taiwan, the government could prioritize hiring teachers from Eswatini.
The source noted that South Africa is increasingly dependent on China economically, with Beijing providing over US$10 billion (NT$321.62 billion) in loans to state-owned enterprises since 2015.
Despite these loans, South Africa continues to face severe economic and social issues, including an unemployment rate exceeding 33% and the highest level of income inequality in the world.
South Africa’s demand comes as Taiwan is promoting a comprehensive diplomacy that focuses on democracy, peace, and prosperity. "This aims to leverage Taiwan's economic and technological strengths to foster the prosperity of its allies and like-minded nations,” Lin said in August.
Taiwan's prowess in AI technology and semiconductor industries can also serve as a valuable asset for international exchanges and strengthening global relationships, Lin said. Economic cooperation is also a crucial facet for Taiwan in addressing shared security challenges, he said. Taiwan will continue contributing its services and smart solutions to strengthen and elevate its alliances, he added.
South Africa severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1998.