South Africa has ordered Taiwan to relocate its liaison office from Pretoria to Johannesburg, driven by Chinese pressure. This move reflects the ANC’s efforts to maintain strong relations with Beijing amid recent political changes, as well as China’s increasing influence over African nations. Taiwan is contemplating retaliatory measures in response to this decision.

South Africa has recently decided to downgrade its diplomatic ties with Taiwan by requesting the relocation of Taiwan’s Taipei Liaison Office from Pretoria to Johannesburg, following pressure from China. The South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation stated that the move aims to reflect the non-political nature of relations between South Africa and Taiwan and aligns with standard practices where diplomatic missions are located in capital cities. Taiwan, which has maintained an office in South Africa since the late 1990s, is perceived to be acting under Chinese influence, with Taiwanese officials expressing concern and indicating potential retaliatory measures if the move proceeds. The decision comes amidst a political shift in South Africa, where the ruling African National Congress (ANC) has lost its majority and is working to assure China of its continued partnership despite a changing political landscape. This situation highlights China’s growing influence in Africa, as similar events have occurred in other African nations, such as Nigeria, which also relocated Taiwan’s office under Chinese pressure. China has welcomed the decision, reinforcing its stance against Taiwan’s independence amidst recent military escalations around the island.

The dynamics between South Africa and Taiwan are heavily influenced by China’s assertive foreign policy. Despite South Africa’s historical support for Taiwan, the rise of Chinese economic and political power has led to increasing pressure on African nations to adhere to the One-China policy. South Africa’s move to downgrade relations aligns with a broader geopolitical trend where countries are reevaluating their positions on Taiwan due to China’s influence and investments. The ANC’s recent political struggles compounded by a loss of absolute power have further compelled South Africa to align closer with Beijing, thus impacting its relations with Taipei.

South Africa’s decision to relocate the Taipei Liaison Office underscores the significant influence of China in shaping the diplomatic landscape in Africa. The move reflects the ANC’s need to reassure Beijing amid political changes, illustrating the complexities of international relations where economic dependencies can lead to shifts in diplomatic recognition. As countries like South Africa prioritize their relationships with China, the future of Taiwanese diplomacy in Africa appears increasingly precarious, with few allies remaining in the region.

Original Source: www.voanews.com

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