S. Africa reaffirms support for one-China principle

China on Thursday welcomed South Africa's decision to withdraw diplomatic recognition of the Taiwan region's representative office in Pretoria, calling it a positive step that aligns with the broad international consensus on the one-China principle.

According to a government gazette issued on Monday, the South African government has officially urged Taiwan's office in the capital to relocate to Johannesburg "according to South Africa's commitment to the one-China policy".

In addition, the Taipei Liaison Office in Cape Town will be renamed the Taipei Commercial Office, the notice said.

At a regular news briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said the one-China principle forms the political foundation for China's diplomatic ties with other countries. It is both a fundamental norm of international relations and a broad consensus within the global community, he said.

"The South African government's independent and sovereign decision is a proactive step in upholding the one-China principle and is consistent with the spirit of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758," he said.

Adopted in 1971, Resolution 2758 recognizes the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate representative of China.

South Africa's move also reflects the essence of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and South Africa in the new era, Guo added.

China is willing to continue strengthening mutual support with South Africa on issues concerning each other's core interests, he said.

South Africa is not the first African country to request Taiwan to relocate its office. In 2017, the Nigerian government ordered the closure of Taiwan's office in the capital Abuja, and move its trade mission to Lagos, with its staff reduced.