South Africa’s government announced on Friday that it has requested Taiwan to move its de facto embassy from Pretoria, the capital, a decision that Taiwan claims is a result of Chinese pressure. In response, South Africa dismissed this assertion, stating that the action aligns with standard diplomatic protocol, particularly since it cut political and diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1997.

The Taipei Liaison Office in Pretoria will be transformed into a Trade Office and relocated to Johannesburg, South Africa’s commercial hub, according to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

The statement emphasized that the rebranding of the offices in both Taipei and Johannesburg as Trade Offices will accurately represent the non-political and non-diplomatic nature of the relationship between South Africa and Taiwan. The government has provided a six-month timeframe for the relocation. Notably, China is South Africa’s largest global trading partner, and the country aims to enhance collaboration in sectors such as renewable energy.

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry has expressed concerns that the strengthening of ties between South Africa and China is creating difficulties for its own amicable relationship with South Africa.

“The South African government must reconsider its alignment with China and the potential alteration of the current situation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will evaluate and develop various strategies to protect our nation’s sovereignty and dignity,” the statement indicated.

Taiwan, which China asserts is part of its territory and lacks the right to engage in state-to-state relations, maintains formal diplomatic relations with only a limited number of countries, primarily smaller and less developed nations. The Taiwanese government disputes China’s claims of sovereignty and asserts that Beijing cannot represent or advocate for the island in international matters.

China has welcomed this development. “We commend South Africa for its decision to move the Taipei Liaison Office from Pretoria, the administrative capital,” stated Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry.