South Africa reaffirms 'One China' policy, instructs Taiwan to relocate office

The decision was revealed by Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, Ronald Lamola in response to a recent parliamentary question, Channel Africa reports.

Lamola clarified that the move does not represent a shift in diplomatic status. South Africa has not maintained formal relations with Taiwan since 1997, following its official recognition of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

The relocation aligns with United Nations Resolution 2758 of 1971, which recognises the PRC as the sole legitimate representative of China.

"South Africa retains the sovereign right to determine the location of foreign missions within its borders," Lamola stated, emphasising that Taiwan’s diplomatic presence remains unchanged in terms of status - it remains a liaison office, not a full embassy.

Experts say the move reflects both international convention and South Africa’s consistent foreign policy approach. “The One China policy has been part of South African diplomacy since the later years of the Mandela administration,” said Mikatekiso Kubayi, a senior researcher at the Institute for Global Dialogue. “This is not an unusual stance - it’s supported by the UN and followed by countries such as the United States.”

Kubayi explained that most consular and liaison offices are located in Johannesburg, while embassies are typically based in Pretoria. "Relocating Taiwan's office simply aligns it with other offices of similar diplomatic status," he said. Adding that any resistance from Taiwan is likely to be symbolic rather than confrontational. “The real question is why the office remained in Pretoria for so long,” he added.

Though the two countries do not have official ties, they share substantial business ties, and there are Taiwanese communities in South Africa.