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Taipei Liaison Office Requested to Leave Pretoria

Dear Editor

The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes with concern that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has requested the Taipei Liaison Office to leave Pretoria.

The bilateral framework that permits Taiwan trade and consular representation in both Pretoria and Cape Town has been in place for 26 years.

While the DA acknowledges South Africa’s long-standing interpretation of United Nations Resolution 2758, which aligns with the recognition of One China, we have not been provided with any motivation that justifies a unilateral change to the terms of our bilateral framework with Taiwan.

It is clear that pressure is being brought to bear on Pretoria by external actors in the context of both broader geopolitical tensions, and the newly formed Government of National Unity (GNU).

As a sovereign democracy, South Africa must resist external pressures and demonstrate our commitment to the consistent application of our policy of non-alignment.

Section 231 (1) of the Constitution is clear that the negotiation and signing of all international agreements is the responsibility of the National Executive.

The ANC no longer enjoy an outright majority, and as such, are no longer at liberty to unilaterally determine South Africa’s foreign policy positions without consulting their partners in government.

South Africa exports $540 million in coal, $180 million in grain, and $180 million in automobiles to Taiwan annually. It is critical that Taiwan continues to enjoy consular and trade representation on the same basis that they have done since 1998. Should the National Executive wish to renegotiate the terms of this bilateral agreement, consensus must first be sought within the GNU.

In light of increased global tensions and the concomitant pressures being brought to bear on middle powers throughout the world, the DA will leverage its position within the GNU to ensure a consensus based approach to determining the manner in which South Africa navigates complex geopolitical issues, in advancing our national interest.

Regards

Emma Louise Powell
DA Spokesperson on International Relations

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