SA Knows Who Is a Friend

An updated message on the department of international relations and cooperation's (Dirco) website may have seemed a mere note for some — but it is significant in the sphere of diplomatic and global affairs.

- Brian Sokutu

Against a background of Taiwan not enjoying any diplomatic status in the post-democratic South Africa, where it is regarded as part of China, Dirco made things clear by renaming the "Taipei Liaison Office" to the "Taipei Commercial Office".

The move underscores SA's resolve to bring certainty on the status of Taiwan in the country — a Taipei office solely dealing with commercial matters and not political issues.

"The change is consistent with South Africa subscribing to a one-China policy. As stated previously, South Africa will not be bullied by anyone," said spokesperson Chrispin Phiri.

With the relocation of the Taipei office from Pretoria to Johannesburg expected to be completed by the end of the month, the move reflects a firm resolve by SA on who we have real ties with — China.

While maintaining strong diplomatic relations with the world, SA knows its real friends. Real friends or comrades in a revolutionary sense are countries who backed you when you laboured under the yoke of apartheid.