TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Italian Senate Vice President Gian Marco Centinaio on Saturday criticized South Africa’s demand that Taiwan withdraw its representative office from Pretoria.

In a Facebook post, Centinaio called the unilateral decision “a risky precedent for the future of international relations.” He said this “unsuccessful attempt” to suppress Taiwan’s voice does not contribute to maintaining global geopolitical and economic stability.

The lawmaker also expressed concern over growing Chinese military and diplomatic pressure on other countries. He noted that South Africa currently holds the G20 presidency and said he hopes Pretoria will reconsider its decision and resume constructive dialogue with Taipei.

South Africa initially requested Taiwan to relocate its office by October last year, but Taiwan refused. In January, Pretoria escalated its demand, insisting that Taiwan vacate by the end of March.

Taiwanese officials suspect the Chinese embassy in Pretoria is pressuring the South African government. In response, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to consider countermeasures, including requesting South Africa’s office in Taipei to relocate or implementing stricter visa application reviews for South African citizens.

South Africa severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1997 but continues to operate the Liaison Office of South Africa in Taipei.