South Africa Orders Taiwan Embassy Relocation

South Africa has requested Taiwan to relocate its unofficial embassy from Pretoria to Johannesburg, a move interpreted as an effort to appease China amid rising tensions between Beijing and Taipei. The South African government, which severed formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1997, stated that this change aligns with standard diplomatic practices and reflects the non-political nature of their relationship. Taiwan's government criticized the decision, suggesting it was made under Chinese pressure and warned it may reconsider its own liaison office in South Africa. China's foreign ministry welcomed the move, indicating it views South Africa's request as support for its stance on Taiwan. This development underscores the complex dynamics of South Africa’s foreign relations, particularly its growing ties with China, its largest trading partner. The deadline for Taiwan to move its office has been set at six months.