The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) says it is concerned about the mischaracterisation of its engagements with the Taipei Liaison Office (TLO), highlighting that the relocation is standard diplomatic practice.

This after government asked Taiwan to relocate what is its de facto embassy out of Pretoria.

Dirco explained that the TLO will be rebranded as the Trade Office and will be moved to Johannesburg.

“Relocating what will be rebranded as Trade Offices both in Taipei and in Johannesburg, which is standard diplomatic practice, will be a true reflection of the non-political and non-diplomatic nature of the relationship between the Republic of South Africa and Taiwan,” it said.

It added that this aligned with standard diplomatic practice in that capital cities were the seats of Foreign Embassies and High Commissions.

Government said it held several engagements with the TLO to correct the perception, despite approaches by third-party countries, which was itself “unusual diplomatic practice.”

Dirco pointed out that South Africa’s democratic government severed political and diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1997.

“…this is consistent with resolution 2758 of the United Nations General Assembly, which is widely adhered to by the international community,” it explained.

The TLO was given a reasonable six months to make the move, said Dirco.

It added that the same was communicated via the South African Liaison Office in Taipei by South Africa’s representative to the territory.