South Africa and Taiwan: A diplomatic dilemma worth noting

This paper focuses on the relations between Taiwan and South Africa. Diplomatic links were maintained since 1949 although these links were not particularly close as South Africa did not want to give China an excuse to increase its support to resistance movements and Taiwan attempted to increase its image in Africa by excluding South Africa from assistance projects. However the ties were strengthened in 1976 and since then economic relations was strengthened. But South Africa cannot have relations with both the PRC and Taiwan as the rivalry between them does not encourage relationships. The prospect for the future is therefore based on South Africa’s foreign relations with the PRC and Taiwan and will require skilful negotiations to avoid repercussions.