Taiwan has rejected the move and threatened to retaliate, saying that Pretoria had bowed to pressure from Beijing.
The South African government has issued a Government Gazette officially withdrawing its diplomatic recognition of Taiwan's representative office in Pretoria. This is the latest move in Pretoria's mounting pressure to force Taiwan to move out of its Pretoria office and relocate to Johannesburg.
Taiwan has rejected and strongly protested at the "unilateral action" and said it would "take appropriate action in accordance with the circumstances". It said the SA government had bowed to pressure from Beijing.
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mofa) said the South African government had published its "unreasonable announcement" -- without consulting Taiwan -- after Deputy President Paul Mashatile's visit to China from July 14 to 18.
"This demonstrates that China has ramped up suppression of Taiwan in South Africa and that South Africa is willing to bow to China and exert pressure on Taiwan. Mofa expresses regret and dissatisfaction over these developments."
Pretoria's notice in the Government Gazette said, "The Taipei Liaison Office, now referred to as the Taipei Commercial Office, situated in Pretoria, will no longer be recognised as of 31 March 2025. Rather, the Republic of...
