US Lawmakers Accuse South Africa of ‘Bullying’ Taiwan, Warn of Consequences

South Africa demands Taiwan move its diplomatic office out of Pretoria as China ratchets up pressure on partners to isolate Taiwan, a key U.S. ally.

General view of Taiwan's Liaison Office situated in Hatfield, Pretoria on Oct. 22, 2024. South Africa has ordered Taiwan's representative office to relocate outside of the capital Pretoria. Phill Magakoe/AFP via Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG—Following the South African government’s order that Taiwan move its official representative office out of the capital city of Pretoria, some U.S. lawmakers are condemning the decision and calling for consequences.

Chrispin Phiri, spokesman for South Africa’s Department of International Relations & Cooperation, confirmed to The Epoch Times that “the president has made it clear that the Taiwanese government must vacate its Pretoria premises by the end of October and relocate to Johannesburg or action will be taken to ensure that this happens.”