The Liaison Office of the Republic of South Africa in Taipei () represents the interests of South Africa in Taiwan in the absence of formal diplomatic relations, functioning as a de facto embassy. It also provides visa services.South Africa, Taiwan enjoy strengthening ties, China Post, February 7, 2002 Its counterpart of Taiwan is the Taipei Liaison Office in the Republic of South Africa in Pretoria.Taipei Liaison Office in the Republic of South Africa
The Office is headed by a Representative.Liaison Office of South Africa in Taipei
History The Office was formerly the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa.Taiwan Business: The Portable Encyclopedia for Doing Business with Taiwan, Christine Genzberger, World Trade Press, 1994, page 268 South Africa first established a Consulate in Taipei in 1967, which was upgraded to a Consulate General three years later.Foreign policy issues in a democratic South Africa, papers from a Conference of Professors World Peace Academy (South Africa), held north of Johannesburg (in Sandton), South Africa, on 20-21 March 1992, page 150 In 1976, this was upgraded to an Embassy.The Republic Of China Yearbook 1996, David Robertson, Taylor & Francis, 1996, page 692
However, when South Africa recognised the People's Republic of China, its diplomatic relations with Taiwan were terminated.Taiwan loses a major ally, BBC News Online, December 30, 1997 This led to the establishment of the Office in 1998.
See also South Africa–Taiwan relations List of diplomatic missions of South Africa
References
External links