TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — US Representative Chris Smith on Tuesday criticized China for pressuring South Africa to downgrade Taiwan’s diplomatic presence and Pretoria’s acquiescence.

The US House Committee on Foreign Affairs held a hearing to discuss the “US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025.” During the fact-finding portion, Africa Subcommittee Chair Chris Smith said South Africa had retroactively renamed Taiwan’s representative offices to “Taipei Commercial Offices.”

Smith cited a provision of the bill identifying the Chinese Communist Party’s ongoing efforts to “bully Taiwan and pressure the South African government into downgrading Taiwan's representative office and move it from Pretoria to Johannesburg.”

He said, “The unrelenting pressure that the CCP wages against Taiwan on multiple fronts is part of a broader strategy to wear down and conquer the frontline democratic partner.”

The chair warned that any unilateral move to violate the 1997 agreement on the offices is unacceptable. “We are also watching this very closely because it impacts South Africa's trustworthiness as a partner,” he said.

Smith also praised the Democratic Alliance, a member of South Africa’s Government of National Unity, “in its effort to stand up for democratic Taiwan and push back against the pro-CCP actors.” He urged South Africa not to bow to pressure from Beijing and to restore the status quo.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) on Wednesday thanked Smith for his support. He called on the South African government to honor the 1997 framework and engage in talks with Taiwan based on equality and dignity.

Lin said no changes to Taiwan’s office name or status should occur before a mutual agreement is reached. He also warned against any coercive actions targeting Taiwan’s presence in South Africa.