TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Six US lawmakers called for President Donald Trump to cease diplomatic communications and trade with South Africa in response to its demand that Taiwan withdraw its representative office from the capital of Pretoria.
In a letter published on Tuesday, Representatives Andy Ogles, Tom Tiffany, Don Bacon, Joe Wilson, Randy Weber, and Brandon Gill recommended that Trump suspend diplomatic engagement unless South Africa engages with the US constructively. They warned that if South Africa succeeds in its request, it would give China a pretext for invading Taiwan.
This would go against US interests and the interests of those who prioritize peace over conflict, they said.
The lawmakers also proposed revoking South Africa’s preferential treatment under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access to the US market in exchange for maintaining a market-based economy and the rule of law. They criticized the South African government for failing to uphold its end of the deal, saying that any violations should result in the loss of trade benefits.
In October, South Africa demanded that Taiwan's Liaison Office in Pretoria relocate by the month's end. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs refused and is negotiating through communication channels.
South Africa doubled down on its demand in January, ordering Taiwan to withdraw its office by the end of March. It also attempted to downgrade Taiwan’s diplomatic status by labeling the representative office a "trade office."
Taiwan said it suspects the Chinese embassy in Pretoria is pressuring South Africa to do its bidding.
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) has asked MOFA to consider appropriate countermeasures, including requesting South Africa’s office in Taipei to relocate or implementing stricter visa application reviews for South African citizens.
