Talks mooted as SA changes heart in Taiwan impasse

South Africa is open to talks with the Republic of China (ROC) over the relocation of the island nation's liaison office in Pretoria – a move that could end the ongoing tension between the two countries.

- Eric Naki

The Taipei liaison office, which represents Taiwanese interests in South Africa, including consular affairs and interaction between the two countries, was given a 31 October deadline to relocate from the capital Pretoria to Johannesburg.

But Taiwan's foreign ministry resisted and accused Pretoria of unilaterally breaching a 1997 agreement with Taipei to have the office in Pretoria.

Taiwan earlier said it had no intention of relocating the office, saying there is a need for consultations with the aim of reaching a peaceful settlement.

The situation had deteriorated to such an extent that Taiwan threatened to have the South African liaison office in Taipei relocated away from the capital and to take other retaliatory measures against South Africa.