Pretoria – Taipei has criticised South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola for claiming that Taiwan does not maintain a representative office in Washington, DC, according to a report by Daily Maverick.
Lamola made the statement on 27 August 2025 during a press briefing, attempting to justify his government’s efforts to move Taiwan’s office in Pretoria to Johannesburg. South Africa argues that only countries with formal diplomatic relations should have offices in the capital.
“The relocation of the Taiwan Liaison Office to Johannesburg is complete, and this is consistent with global practice,” Lamola said. He added that in many capitals worldwide, Taiwan is based in commercial cities rather than capitals, citing UN protocols and the Vienna Convention.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly rejected Lamola’s claims, calling them false and accusing him of demonstrating a “grave lack of knowledge” of international affairs. The ministry pointed out that Taiwan has representative offices in many capitals, including Washington, DC, Moscow, New Delhi, and Brasilia.
The ministry explained that when Taiwan establishes an office abroad, it follows both international norms and bilateral agreements with the host country. In the United States, Taiwan’s Washington office operates alongside twelve other offices promoting local exchanges.
Taiwan urged Lamola to recognise its global interactions, stop spreading false information, and engage with Taiwan on a respectful, equal footing. The Pretoria office continues normal operations, providing services to citizens, businesspeople, and overseas compatriots. Lamola’s spokesperson clarified that the minister meant the office is not an embassy.
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