South Africa Formally Ends Recognition of Taipei Liaison Office, Aligns with One-China Policy

The South African government has officially announced that it no longer recognizes the Taipei Liaison Office in Pretoria as of July 21, marking a significant diplomatic move. 

The decision, detailed in a government gazette notice issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), marks a reaffirmation of South Africa’s adherence to the One-China principle and its commitment to strengthening ties with the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

The gazette, numbered 644 and dated July 21, 2025, states:

“It is hereby notified that the Taipei Liaison Office, now referred to as the Taipei Commercial Office, has formally notified the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa that, with effect from 01 April 2025, it will no longer recognise the Taipei Commercial Office based in Johannesburg, through which consular services will be rendered and through which the Republic of South Africa will, with effect from 01 April 2025, recognise the Taipei Commercial Office based in Cape Town.

“The notice further outlines the historical and legal context, referencing the establishment of diplomatic relations between South Africa and the PRC on January 1, 1998, following the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 (1971). This resolution recognized the PRC as the sole legitimate government of China, a position South Africa has since upheld. The gazette emphasizes that South Africa’s decision to end formal recognition of the Taipei office aligns with its commitment to this principle, which it formalized through a resolution with international consensus.

A Strategic Partnership Deepens

The move is seen as a strengthening of the all-round strategic cooperative partnership between South Africa and China, a relationship that has evolved significantly since 1998.

The gazette notes that South Africa is called upon to adhere to the One-China policy, reflecting its obligations under the joint communiqué signed during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s state visit to China in 2024. 

This visit elevated bilateral ties, addressing trade imbalances—where China’s exports to South Africa reached $27.7 billion in 2024 compared to South Africa’s $13.9 billion—and fostering cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, technology, and education.

The Taipei Liaison Office, previously based in Pretoria and later Johannesburg, will now transition to a commercial office in Cape Town, limiting its functions to trade and economic activities rather than diplomatic or consular services.

This restructuring reflects South Africa’s intent to maintain economic ties with Taiwan while adhering to its diplomatic stance favoring the PRC.

Global and Regional Implications

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the decision, with a statement posted on July 24, commending South Africa’s action as “a positive step in keeping with the One-China principle and UNGA Resolution 2758.” 

The ministry highlighted the decision as evidence of the growing strength of China-South Africa relations, a partnership that has seen China become South Africa’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $40 billion annually

.The development comes amid ongoing tensions over Taiwan’s international status. Taiwan, which considers itself a sovereign nation, maintains formal diplomatic relations with only 12 countries and the Vatican City, a number that has dwindled as nations align with Beijing’s One-China policy. 

The United States and other Western allies, while not formally recognizing Taiwan, continue to provide military and economic support, creating a complex geopolitical landscape.

Local Reactions and Future Outlook

South African analysts suggest the decision may reflect pragmatic economic considerations, given China’s significant investments in the country, including infrastructure projects and loans totaling over $10 billion in recent years.

However, it has also sparked debate domestically, with some critics questioning whether the move compromises South Africa’s foreign policy independence.

At the time of this article, the Taipei Commercial Office in Cape Town has yet to issue an official response, though Taiwan’s government has historically protested similar derecognition efforts by other nations.

For now, South Africa’s alignment with the One-China principle appears to solidify its position within the BRICS bloc and its broader strategy to leverage Chinese economic power for national development.

This diplomatic realignment underscores the evolving dynamics of global power as nations navigate the delicate balance between economic pragmatism and geopolitical alliances.