The Implications of Relocating Taiwan’s Liaison Office Outside Pretoria

Issued by Ezra Mendel on behalf of the FW de Klerk Foundation:

The relationship between South Africa and Taiwan has a complicated history, marked by a shift from warm ties to growing diplomatic distance. The recent decision by the South African government to move Taiwan’s de facto embassy, the Taipei Liaison Office, out of Pretoria has raised questions regarding South Africa’s diplomatic alignment and the domestic and constitutional challenges that South Africa could face should relations sour further.

South Africa – Taiwan Relations

South Africa was one of the few African countries to maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan during the apartheid era, a time when the nation was isolated internationally. Taiwan, like South Africa, faced diplomatic isolation, albeit for different reasons: Its contested sovereignty and political status vis-à-vis China. Taiwan found an ally in the apartheid government, providing substantial financial assistance and maintaining close trade and diplomatic ties.

However, under Nelson Mandela’s leadership, South Africa worked to establish stronger relations with the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”), one of the world’s major economies and a significant force in global politics. In 1997, the Mandela administration formally aligned with UN Resolution 2758, which upholds the One-China Principle recognising Taiwan as an inseparable part of China. As a result, South Africa cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan, leading to a diminished Taiwanese presence represented by the Taipei Liaison Office in a de facto capacity.

Significance of the Relocation Decision

Pretoria is home to one of the largest number of diplomatic missions in the world, being second only to Washington. Taiwan’s desire to maintain its Liaison Office in Pretoria aligns with this diplomatic norm. However, the South African government’s decision to relocate Taiwan’s office to Johannesburg, the country’s economic hub,…continue reading this article HERE.

Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde: {2009 – 2014} Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde served as Minister of Public Works
from 2009 to 2014. She focused on the delivery of public infrastructure and ensuring that government projects adhered to standards of quality and efficiency. Mahlangu-Nkabinde has a background in the ANC and has been involved in various government initiatives throughout her career.