Taiwan protests the South African government’s unilateral name change of its representative office from ‘Taipei Liaison Office’ to ‘Taipei Commercial Office.’ Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) asserts that South Africa’s actions downgrade the office’s status and contravene previous agreements. South Africa has set a relocation deadline for Taiwan, while MOFA firmly opposes the change, citing adherence to diplomatic agreements and international resolutions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Taiwan has officially lodged a protest regarding a unilateral change to the name of Taiwan’s representative office on the South African government website. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) recently altered the designation from “Taipei Liaison Office” to “Taipei Commercial Office”. This modification is part of a broader dispute, which has included demands for Taiwan’s representatives to vacate their post in Pretoria.
MOFA asserts that South Africa has attempted to diminish the status of Taiwan’s representative office by reclassifying it as a trade office located in Johannesburg. The South African government has set a deadline, concluding at the end of March, for Taiwan to accept the new designation and to move its office.
Furthermore, DIRCO has indicated that relocating and renaming the offices would reflect the nonpolitical nature of relations between South Africa and Taiwan. Previously, DIRCO stated that establishing what would be designated as Trade Offices in both Taipei and Johannesburg aligns with standard diplomatic practices.
MOFA argues, however, that an agreement ratified prior to the severance of diplomatic relations in 1998 permits Taiwan to maintain its liaison office in Pretoria. MOFA contends that any changes to the office’s name or location should only occur after reaching a consensus through official negotiations.
In response, MOFA lodged protests through Taiwan’s office in Pretoria and directly with the South African office in Taipei regarding the name change. The Ministry criticized DIRCO’s justification in claiming adherence to U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758, labeling it as “unreasonable and unacceptable.” This resolution, enacted in 1971, recognized the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the sole representative of China at the United Nations, effectively replacing the Republic of China (ROC).
The situation regarding Taiwan’s representative office name change underscores the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and South Africa amidst shifting diplomatic dynamics. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has articulated its position firmly, emphasizing the need for adherence to previous agreements and expressing discontent with unilateral actions taken by South Africa. The unfolding events reflect broader geopolitical shifts and the continual struggle for recognition in international relations.
Original Source: focustaiwan.tw
