TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部) announced on Tuesday (Oct. 29) that the South African government has shown a willingness to prioritize consultations with Taiwan regarding future bilateral relations. This development follows South Africa's request for Taiwan's representative office to relocate from Pretoria by the end of October.
Jeff Y.J. Liu (劉永健), a MOFA spokesperson, stated that the South African government has communicated its readiness to negotiate using existing official channels. Liu emphasized that Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), currently visiting allies in Central America and the Caribbean, remains informed about the situation. Lin has instructed the representative office to negotiate based on equality and dignity.
Liu also mentioned that Lin directed Anthony Chung-Yi Ho (賀忠義), the director-general of the Department of West Asian and African Affairs (亞西及非洲司), to summon South African representative Graham Anderson on Monday to reiterate Taiwan's stance and concerns. Liu expressed confidence that South Africa, as a G20 member, will only take coercive measures against the Taiwanese office, if any, after reaching a consensus through discussions.
On Oct. 21, Foreign Minister Lin emphasized in the Legislative Yuan (立法院) that Taiwan has no intention of relocating and South Africa should not unilaterally breach agreements, highlighting the need for consultations.