Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Addresses Concerns Regarding South Africa’s Actions
Taipei, Taiwan – July 25, 2025 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Taiwan has issued a response to concerns raised by Chairman Smith of the U.S. House Africa Subcommittee regarding South Africa’s recent announcement about Taiwan’s liaison offices. The statement, published on Taiwan’s E-government Entry Point, aims to provide clarification and context to the matter, underscoring Taiwan’s commitment to constructive international relations.
The announcement from South Africa has prompted an official explanation from Taiwan, seeking to address any potential misunderstandings and reaffirm the nature of Taiwan’s presence in the country. MOFA’s statement emphasizes the long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship between Taiwan and South Africa, built on economic cooperation and cultural exchange.
Taiwan’s representative offices, often referred to as “liaison offices,” operate as de facto embassies in countries where formal diplomatic relations are not established. These offices play a crucial role in facilitating trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. They are instrumental in fostering understanding and cooperation between Taiwan and the host countries.
MOFA’s response is understood to highlight the established practices and international norms governing the operations of such representative offices. It is likely that the statement reiterates Taiwan’s adherence to international law and its respect for the sovereignty of other nations, while also seeking to ensure the unimpeded functioning of its offices.
The intervention by Chairman Smith underscores the significant interest and support Taiwan enjoys within the U.S. Congress. The subcommittee’s focus on Africa also suggests a broader concern for the implications of South Africa’s actions on regional stability and international partnerships.
While the specific details of South Africa’s announcement have not been fully elaborated in the published MOFA statement, the response indicates a proactive approach by Taiwan to manage the situation. The ministry’s communication aims to ensure that its diplomatic partners, including the United States, are well-informed about the situation and Taiwan’s perspective.
Taiwan remains dedicated to engaging in constructive dialogue and maintaining its positive presence in countries around the world, including South Africa. The ministry’s statement is a testament to its ongoing efforts to navigate complex international relations with transparency and a commitment to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. Further developments are anticipated as Taiwan continues to engage with all relevant parties on this matter.
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