South Africa Succumbs to Chinese Influence by Downgrading Relations with Taiwan

South Africa has requested Taiwan to move its liaison office from Pretoria to Johannesburg, signaling a downgrade in diplomatic relations influenced by pressure from China. This move comes amidst political changes within South Africa as the ANC seeks to reassure Beijing after losing its majority. The decision mirrors similar actions by other African nations and reflects the growing power of China in shaping diplomatic relations on the continent.

South Africa is taking steps to diminish its diplomatic ties with Taiwan, as evidenced by a recent directive from the African National Congress (ANC) that calls for the relocation of Taiwan’s liaison office from Pretoria to Johannesburg. This decision is perceived as a response to pressures from China, particularly in light of the ANC’s desire to reassure Beijing following changes in the political landscape of South Africa after recent elections. The South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation announced that the Taipei Liaison Office will be transformed into a trade office and moved within six months, a move they claim aligns with standard diplomatic practices which typically see embassies located in capital cities. Historically, Taiwan has maintained a presence in Pretoria since the late 1990s, with offices focused on trade and visa issues. However, given the broader geopolitical context where most nations and international bodies, including the United Nations, do not officially recognize Taiwan as a separate sovereignty from China, this decision falls within a pattern of increasing Chinese assertiveness in diplomatic relations across Africa. With South Africa now joined by other nations, like Nigeria, in demanding that Taiwanese representatives vacate their capitals, analysts note that the One-China policy remains a significant factor in shaping international relations across the continent. Taiwanese officials have expressed concerns about the growing influence of China, reflecting fears that support for Taiwan is diminishing globally as a result.

The backdrop to South Africa’s recent diplomatic shift involves its longstanding ties with Taiwan dating back to the late 1990s when it established a liaison office in Pretoria. However, the political dynamics have shifted significantly since the ANC’s electoral setback in 2024, compelling the party to form a coalition government with opposition parties that seemingly have diverging views on foreign policy, particularly regarding relations with China. The ANC’s diminishing political capital amplifies its reliance on Chinese economic support, thereby increasing the likelihood of compliance with Beijing’s demands, especially regarding sensitive geopolitical issues such as Taiwan. This context places South Africa amidst a broader trend in which nations on the African continent are increasingly yielding to Chinese diplomatic pressure to adhere to the One-China narrative, progressively sidelining Taiwan.

In conclusion, South Africa’s order for Taiwan to relocate its liaison office marks a significant realignment of its foreign policy towards China. As the ANC seeks to cement its relationship with Beijing following recent political upheavals, it appears increasingly willing to supplant historical ties with Taiwan as part of its strategy to navigate the complexities of international politics. This development reflects a broader trend of diminishing support for Taiwan among African nations as a result of China’s growing assertiveness and influence on the continent.

Original Source: www.voanews.com