Taiwan Threatens Chip Export Curbs Over South Africa’s Diplomatic Demotion
Taipei Mulls Strong Countermeasures After Pretoria Rebrands Offices
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is weighing significant economic sanctions against South Africa, including restricting crucial chip exports, following Pretoria’s unilateral decision to downgrade the status and names of Taiwan’s representative offices. The move is seen by Taipei as a capitulation to Beijing’s “One China” policy.
South Africa Rebrands Taiwan Offices
The diplomatic dispute escalated when South Africa’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially redesignated Taiwan’s presence from “representative offices” to “Taipei Business Offices.” Furthermore, their locations were altered in official communications, signaling a significant demotion. This action follows earlier demands since October of the previous year for Taiwan’s diplomatic missions to relocate from the capital, Pretoria.
Taipei Condemns “Rude Behavior,” Calls for Dialogue
Yan Jialiang, Director of the Department of Asia, West and Africa, expressed deep disappointment at a press conference. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed extreme regret for the South African government’s continued pressure to follow China and ignored the long-term friendship with Taiwan.
he stated. The ministry is actively collaborating with other government departments to formulate retaliatory measures, with chip export restrictions being a prominent consideration.
Regarding the South African government’s rude behavior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is discussing countermeasures with relevant ministries on the grounds of safeguarding sovereignty and national dignity.
—Yan Jialiang, Director of the Department of Asia, West and Africa
Taiwan urged South Africa to engage in immediate consultations, emphasizing the need to uphold the bilateral legal framework agreement established between the two nations in 1997. As of the announcement, such consultations had not yet commenced.
Geopolitical Context: Chip Exports and Global Trade
The threat of restricting chip exports highlights Taiwan’s critical role in the global semiconductor supply chain. In 2023, Taiwan’s semiconductor industry generated an estimated US$110 billion in revenue, making such sanctions a potentially potent tool. (Source: Statista 2025).
Diplomatic History Under Strain
The South African government’s recent actions, including the misrepresentation of UN General Assembly resolution 2758 and the adherence to the “One China” principle through a government communiqué, have been met with strong disapproval by Taipei. This development strains a relationship built on years of cooperation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to defending national dignity and sovereignty, seeking a resolution that respects the established diplomatic ties and agreements between Taiwan and South Africa.