South Africa Asks Taiwan to Relocate de Facto Embassy Out of the Capital

South Africa rejected the accusation that it was bowing to pressure from Beijing while Taipei is mulling reciprocal moves.

A general view of the Pretoria skyline with smog in the air taken from the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, on June 19, 2024. Phill Magakoe/Pool via Reuters

Taiwan has been asked to move its de facto embassy out of Pretoria, South Africa’s government confirmed on Oct. 18 following accusations that it was bowing to pressure from Beijing.

In a statement published on Oct. 18, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation said the Taipei Liaison Office will be rebranded as a trade office, and that it will relocate from the South African capital of Pretoria to Johannesburg, which the department called the country’s economic hub.