China Applauds South Africa’s Reinforcement of One‑China Principle as Relations Deepen
China’s Foreign Ministry has praised South Africa’s recent decision to alter the status of Taiwan’s diplomatic representation, underscoring the “one-China principle” as the foundation of Sino-South African ties. At a regular briefing on Thursday, Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun welcomed South Africa’s move to withdraw recognition of the “Taipei Liaison Office” in Pretoria and relocate it, under the new title “Taipei Commercial Office”, to Johannesburg, with a similar renaming of the Cape Town office.
Guo emphasized that adherence to the one-China principle and support for UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 are widely accepted norms in international diplomacy. He described the decision as an expression of the “comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era” and reiterated China’s readiness to back South Africa on matters of mutual vital interest.
This action follows South Africa’s official notice in the Government Gazette dated July 21, 2025, which specified that the Pretoria liaison office “will no longer be recognised” past March 31, and consular functions would shift to Johannesburg starting April 1.
The relocation aligns with policy shifts initiated earlier in the year. In February, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry reported South Africa set an end-March deadline to vacate Pretoria under increasing Chinese pressure, a move China applauded as correct adherence to the one‑China principle.
Broader China–South Africa Partnership
The diplomatic gesture is part of a larger tapestry of Sino–South African collaboration. In April, China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao held virtual talks with South Africa’s Trade Minister Parks Tau, discussing joint strategies in response to U.S. tariff measures and exploring expanded roles within G20 and BRICS frameworks
Last June in Changsha, Foreign Ministers Wang Yi and Ronald Lamola met for the fourth time in a year, reaffirming political trust and outlining support for South Africa’s G20 presidency
Economically, bilateral trade hit record levels across Africa: in 2024, trade between China and the continent reached $295.6 billion, with China granting zero‑tariff access to all 53 diplomatic African partners, including South Africa, to correct trade imbalances
China also vowed to eliminate tariffs for all diplomatic African partners, potentially boosting exports and reducing deficits.
Further solidifying relations is growing Chinese investment in South Africa, spanning infrastructure, green energy, telecom, and tourism. Chinese businesses such as ZPMC and NPC have invested in KwaZulu-Natal, while visa facilitation initiatives aim to boost Chinese tourist arrivals and deepen people-to-people connections.
Chinese entrepreneurs and African partners are collaborating in solar power, digital services, and trade zones, reinforcing mutual economic growth.
Strategic Implications
South Africa’s alignment with China on Taiwan signals not only principles at work but also a strategic choice in the context of global contestation. As major powers impose tariffs and erect trade barriers, China and Africa jointly pressed the U.S. to resolve disputes through dialogue, with Wang Yi backing zero-tariff inclusion for African nations.
These developments underscore South Africa’s diplomatic pivot toward China, a partnership with tangible economic payoffs and growing diplomatic significance. Beijing’s public endorsement dispatches a clear message: South Africa remains a committed partner within China’s global and regional agenda.