TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Senator Ben Cardin criticized South Africa’s order for Taiwan to move its representative office out of its capital.
Cardin called the move “deeply concerning” and said it is “a departure from the standard practice for countries that maintain an informal relationship with Taiwan.” “I strongly urge South Africa to reconsider its actions,” he said in a statement.
He pointed out that South Africa’s reference to UN Resolution 2758 played into China’s misinterpretation of it. The resolution only addresses China’s representation at the UN, Cardin said, adding, that it does not define Taiwan’s political status or how other countries engage with Taiwan.
The senator called on the global community to unite against China’s “coercive tactics regarding sovereign nations’ treatment of Taiwan.”
On Oct. 7, South Africa demanded Taiwan move its “Taipei Liaison Office” from Pretoria to Johannesburg. The order is perceived to be the result of pressure from China.
Taiwan criticized the request as a unilateral breach of a framework signed with South Africa in 1997. The South African government later said it would use official communication channels to discuss future bilateral relations, after international condemnation.
The Taiwan foreign ministry said it has no plans to move its office. It established a task force and contingency plans will be implemented based on the progress of negotiations.