International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola. Discover how South Africa's renaming of the Taipei Liaison Office to Taipei Commercial Office reflects its commitment to independent foreign policy and the One-China Principle.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
On the website of DIRCO, Taipei Liaison Office has been changed to Taipei Commercial Office, which reflects more accurately the office’s role and nature. This is viewed as an important step of finalising the relocation of the Taipei office, which is expected on 31 March, 2025. This decision aligns with RSA’s long-standing commitment to an independent and principled foreign policy and reflects its dedication to the One-China Principle.
As a nation that has navigated complex global dynamics while prioritising its national interests, South Africa has consistently taken positions that reflect its commitment to fairness, diplomacy, and international law. From its stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to its measured approach to the Ukraine crisis, the country has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to autonomy in global affairs.
The Republic of South Africa (RSA) and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has had strong diplomatic ties since 1998. This relationship was borne out of RSA’s freedom from apartheid rule, under the leadership of Nelson Mandela. As part of this relationship is RSA’s acceptance of the One-China policy. This policy refers to the identification of the PRC as the sole legitimate government of China, with Taiwan as an important part of its territory. Consequently, after years of strong ties between Taiwan and apartheid South Africa, RSA reevaluated its relationship with Taiwan, severing official diplomatic ties and designated Taiwanese representation to a liaison office focused on trade and cultural exchange. This aligned RSA with the vast majority of United Nations (UN) member states, including all BRICS members, recognising the PRC’s One-China policy.
The One-China Principle is an internationally recognised norm and a fundamental tenet of international relations, reaffirmed by UN General Assembly Resolution 2758. South Africa’s adherence to this principle was further solidified in the Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between South Africa and China. More recently, during his second state visit to China in 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s unwavering commitment to the One-China Principle in a joint statement between the two great nations. In alignment with this position, Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola emphasised in Parliament last week that the relocation of Taiwan’s office reflects the non-political nature of South Africa’s engagement with Taiwan. He clarified that the office’s primary function is to facilitate trade and economic exchange rather than to serve any diplomatic or political role, thereby ensuring consistency with South Africa’s diplomatic commitments and international legal obligations.
RSA has a long-standing tradition of independent and principled diplomacy. This serves its commitment to sovereign decision-making as a right and the achievement of a balanced foreign policy. Autonomous decision-making has become increasingly important to RSA as it emerged from apartheid rule to a democracy, championing global equity. This tradition is demonstrated by two key global issues: (1) the Israel-Palestine conflict; (2) the Russia-Ukraine crisis. As much of the Western world has placed judgement on the decisions of RSA, it reinforces its pro-Palestine stance–to the extent that it has spearheaded the charge against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Its non-alignment regarding the crisis in Ukraine and abstaining from the UN resolution condemning Russian aggression against Ukraine, are all indicators of RSA’s foreign policy and sovereign decision-making.
The Israel-Palestine conflict, often regarded as the Middle East conflict, goes back decades. The long-standing dispute concerning the Gaza strip–which was allegedly reignited by the October 7 attack of Hamas on Israel–saw the invasion of the Gaza strip and mass killings of several Palestinian people. RSA’s pro-Palestine approach has deeply rooted connections to RSA’s own struggle against apartheid. In RSA’s view the occupation of Gaza and killing of Palestinian people should be condemned internationally with Israel having to be held accountable for its role in the conflict. Additionally, RSA also condemns the killing of Israeli civilians in line with its general belief that no civilian should be harmed. RSA emphasises its determination to facilitate a peaceful end to the war in Gaza, while the West throws its weight behind Israel. RSA laid its charge against Israel at the ICJ on 28 October 2024–herein accusing Israel of the crime of genocide against the Palestinian people.
The crisis between Russia and Ukraine speaks to both the longstanding territorial dispute between the two nations and the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). This highlights a broader issue between Russia, Europe, and the United States (US), as Ukraine is supported militarily by Europe and the US. RSA condemns both the loss of Ukrainian and Russian lives in the ongoing crisis between the two countries. It believes in finding solutions for peaceful dialogue in resolving the conflict between the two countries. The RSA government made this clear ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit, held in Johannesburg in 2023, where it has emphasised its relations with both countries involved in the conflict and its mission for a peaceful resolution.
RSA’s decision to relocate Taiwan’s institution within its borders is a representation of the nation’s sovereign right in accordance with its national interests and established international legal standards.
However, recent steps taken by Taiwan authority to postpone this move have created complications that call into question RSA's diplomatic independence.The portrayal of RSA's decision as controversial and a matter deserving international attention by using media narratives and winning over foreign political figures causes unnecessary tension. Such initiatives undermined RSA's autonomy.
These strategies are seen as being at odds with the mutual respect that forms the foundation of international relations. Taiwan's position ignores RSA's sovereign mandate and its commitment to conducting foreign policy based on non-alignment and respect for international norms by politicising what is essentially an exercise of state sovereignty.
RSA's unwavering support of the One-China policy is a conscious and independent choice that supports the country's long-standing foreign policy objectives and strengthens its independence in international relations. With its foundation in RSA's devotion to international law and sovereignty, this action is a calculated demonstration of its independence from outside pressure. It is evident that its foreign policy is driven by its own interests while fully adhering to international rules.
This choice has strategic ramifications that go far beyond the current diplomatic situation. RSA is a key player in promoting international cooperation as a member of BRICS, and its alliance with China enhances its standing in this organisation. RSA strengthens its ties with China, which is expected to play a significant role in Africa's economic growth, by reaffirming the One-China policy. For example, China's Belt and Road Initiative presents RSA with substantial opportunities for technical development and infrastructure expansion, solidifying its position as a major participant in regional and international economic networks.
This decision is reflective of RSA’s broader diplomatic vision, positioning itself as an actor that is independent and capable of navigating complex international relations
while simultaneously upholding its core values. While the relocation of Taiwan’s office has the potential to provoke responses from certain global actors, RSA’s decision underscores the sovereign right that it has to manage its diplomatic relations in ways that reflect its national priorities.
South Africa’s decision to relocate Taiwan’s institution is a reaffirmation of its longstanding commitment to sovereign and independent diplomacy. By aligning with international legal principles and upholding its adherence to the One-China policy, the country continues to demonstrate its ability to navigate global affairs on its own terms. This move is consistent with South Africa’s history of principled foreign policy, balancing international relations while safeguarding national interests. As it asserts its rightful authority in diplomatic matters, South Africa reinforces its reputation as a nation that prioritises sovereignty, fairness, and international law in its engagements on the world stage.
* Cole Jackson, Lead Associate BRICS+ Consulting Group Chinese & South American Specialist
* Sesona Mdlokovana, Associate at BRICS+ Consulting Group UAE & African Specialist
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