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THE IMPLICATIONS OF RELOCATING TAIWAN’S LIAISON OFFICE OUTSIDE PRETORIA

Issued by Ezra Mendel on behalf of the FW de Klerk Foundation on 05/11/2024

 

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, reflects a strategic shift towards framing the relationship as primarily economic, not political.

Many feel this is a suspicions move. Very recently, South Africa participated in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (“FOCAC”) that was held in Beijing. In it, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of international adherence to the One-China Principle. After the relocation decision, China’s Foreign Ministry praised South Africa’s “right decision”, further fuelling suspicions that this move may have been influenced by Beijing. While the South African government insists that the relocation is consistent with international law and diplomatic practice, concerns remain about whether it is being pressured by China. South Africa’s alignment with UN Resolution 2758 and the One-China Principle is clear, but the timing of the decision, following a high-profile China-Africa summit, has raised eyebrows domestically and internationally.

 

Putting the Constitution First

Despite South Africa’s justification for the relocation, the government must carefully consider the potential consequences for its citizens’ constitutional rights. Taiwan has already indicated that it will resist the relocation, threatening retaliation. This could include suspending educational exchanges, tightening visa requirements for South Africans, or demanding that South Africa move its own office in Taiwan out of Taipei. Such measures could have significant economic repercussions.

As of 2017, approximately 800 Taiwanese factories and businesses operated in South Africa, providing an estimated 40 000 jobs and contributing $1,69 billion in direct investment annually. Any Taiwanese withdrawal or reduction in business activity could lead to significant job losses, directly affecting the constitutional rights of South African workers. Section 22 of the Constitution protects the right to choose one’s trade, occupation, or profession and, as such, a reduction in Taiwanese business operations would threaten these rights, as it would jeopardise the livelihoods of thousands of South Africans who depend on employment from these businesses. This, in turn, would undermine the right to dignity (Section 10) and economic security, which are essential to South Africa’s constitutional framework. South Africa also exports substantial amounts of coal, grain and automobiles to Taiwan, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Any diplomatic fallout could impact these trade flows, further harming the local economy and threatening jobs. The Democratic Alliance (“DA”), a key participant in the Government of National Unity (“GNU”), has historically been sympathetic to Taiwan, advocating for the continuation of consular and trade representation. The DA’s presence in the GNU initially raised hopes that the relocation decision might be reconsidered, but the government has pressed ahead, revealing a clear division within the GNU over South Africa’s foreign policy.

 

Conclusion

While South Africa’s decision to relocate Taiwan’s Liaison Office may be aligned with its commitment to international law and the One-China Principle, it must be approached with caution to avoid unintended consequences for its citizens. The potential for economic fallout from deteriorating relations with Taiwan underscores the importance of balancing foreign policy with the constitutional rights of South Africans. The government has a duty, under sections 22 and 10 of the Constitution, to protect its citizens’ right to work and human dignity, respectively. Any foreign policy decision that threatens these rights must be carefully reconsidered in light of its long-term impact on the domestic economy and social stability. South Africa’s foreign policy must not only serve diplomatic goals, but also uphold the constitutional rights and livelihoods of its people, ensuring that international relations do not come at the expense of its own citizens’ well-being.

The FW de Klerk Foundation Annual Conference

The FW de Klerk Foundation Annual Conference – hosted in conjunction with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung – took place on 31 January 2025. The theme of this year’s conference is: “South Africa’s Position in the World Today”.
 

 Esteemed speakers include Ambassador Andreas Peschke (Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany); Magda Wierzycka (CEO of Sygnia); Dr Harlan Cloete (Local Governance and Public Leadership – Research Fellow) and Johan “Rassie” Erasmus (Springbok Coach).