Taiwan Accuses China of Playing “Little Tricks” in South Africa

Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung speaking to reporters at a press conference in Taipei on May 16, 2025. Image via CNA.

Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung accused China of playing “little tricks” in South Africa as part of a campaign to force Taipei to move its representative office from the capital Pretoria to the commercial hub in Johannesburg.

Lin’s comments on Friday followed South Africa’s foreign ministry, known as DIRCO, unilaterally changing the location of the office from Pretoria to Johannesburg, along with the description of Taiwan’s office in the country from a “foreign representation in South Africa” to an “international organization.”

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