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Hailing the decision, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said it was a testimony to the “One China” principle, an international norm, and termed South Africa’s decision as the correct one.
In a news diplomatic twist, South Africa has asked Taiwan to move its de facto embassy out of its administrative capital, Pretoria, giving the latter six months to relocate its liaison office to the commercial hub of Johannesburg. Analysts say that it could be at the instance of Beijing, indicating the increased clout of China in the Southern African country.
Taipei has accused Pretoria of bowing to pressure from China. As expected, Beijing has welcomed the decision. Hailing the decision, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said it was a testimony to the “One China” principle, an international norm, and termed South Africa’s decision as the correct one. China opened its embassy in South Africa in 1998, a year after Pretoria severed formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan over which Beijing claims sovereignty.
However, like many countries, South Africa has maintained an unofficial diplomatic relationship with Taiwan. This latest move comes at a time when tensions are mounting between Beijing and Taipei.
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Taiwan marked its national day last week and has repeatedly China’s claims of sovereignty. Days later, China held its latest round of military drills around Taiwan. China is South Africa’s largest trading partner globally, and one with which it is looking to expand cooperation. Both countries are part of the BRICS bloc of developing economies which will hold its annual summit in Russia next week.
