Republic of China – South Africa relations
Encyclopedia
Republic of China – South Africa relations refers to the current and historical relationship
between the Republic of China
(Taiwan) and the Republic of South Africa
. The Republic of China and South Africa established diplomatic ties in 1949. The ties lasted and grew throughout the apartheid-era in South Africa and officially ended in January 1998 when South African President Nelson Mandela
recognized the People's Republic of China
. Despite the recognition of the PR China, Taiwan and South Africa maintained a trade relationship.
Chinese South Africans are an ethnic group of Chinese diaspora in South Africa. They and their ancestors immigrated to South Africa beginning during the Dutch colonial era in the Cape Colony
. Among the Chinese South Africans are Taiwanese businesspeople who settled in South Africa during the apartheid era.
in favor of the People's Republic of China
. South Africa had previously maintained cool relations with Taiwan due to fears that closer relations would increase mainland China's support for the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, a liberation movement
which already had ties to Communist China. Trade and political relations grew until the 1990s, when Nelson Mandela withdrew recognition of the ROC in favor of the mainland PRC. In 1976, both South Africa and the ROC upgraded their consulates to full embassy status. Both shared a similar international worldview, with the Taiwanese ambassador to South Africa H.K. Yang noting, "South Africa and my country are joined in the fight against communism
. We are in favour of free enterprise
, democracy
and freedom
". Relations expanded in the 1980s with South African leader P. W. Botha visiting in 1980 as Prime Minister and in 1986 as State President. Vice President of the Republic of China Hsieh Tung-min was present when the 1983 South African Constitution
was inaugurated.
over six years. Taiwan, South Africa and Israel
shared nuclear technology during this period.
to Taiwan in 1971.
In 1975, the two governments signed a trade agreement which expanded trade relations considerably.
In 1985, 69% of Taiwanese imports from South Africa were either minerals or metals, while South Africa primarily imported textiles (27%) and machinery (22%). Taiwan, along with other newly industrialized Asian countries Hong Kong
and South Korea
, invested heavily in the internationally unrecognized bantustan
s of Transkei
, Bophuthatswana
, Ciskei
and Venda
. Trade relations grew rapidly in the late 1980s; in 1986, trade volume totaled $546 million and a year later, it totaled $911 million, an increase of 67% in one year. As of 1989, 2,000 visas had been issued for South African and Taiwanese businesspeople to visit and conduct business in each other's countries. In 1987, Taiwan had $100 million invested in the South African economy
. In 1996, South Africa estimated that it received approximately $80 million a year in aid from Taiwan. Included in that were scholarships for 15 South African students in Taiwan, a small business development project, a vocational training school and agricultural programs. South Africa also owed Taiwan approximately $50 million.
and the Taipei Arts Festival.
considerably changed Taiwan's relations with South Africa. The Taiwanese government was aware that the new ANC
lead government was not likely to look on the Taiwanese government's support to apartheid South Africa during the years before 1994. In an attempt to improve relations with the new government the Taiwanese government embarked on a public relations campaign. Spending millions of dollars on flying out government officials, parliamentarians and representatives from South Africa's political parties to show them around the island. Even going as far as first donating US$10 million followed by another US$5 million donation to the ANC's election campaign in 1994.
Despite having some initial success the South African government was concerned how its relationship with Taiwan would effect its trade and diplomatic operations in the region after the British handover of Hong Kong
in 1997. The South Africans feared that after the hand over Beijing might force the closure of South Africa's diplomatic offices and the country would no longer be allowed to use the city as a transit route fore air traffic and trade with the rest of the region. Additionally the leadership of the Communist Party of South Africa, many of whom held important positions in the new government, were strongly in support of shifting recognition to the Peoples Republic of China.
In December 1996, South Africa announced it would end relations with Taiwan in favour of the People's Republic of China in January 1998; in response, Taiwan immediately canceled all aid programs and recalled its ambassador to South Africa.
still maintained a branch in South Africa and in 2010 Taiwan ranked as South Africa's 16th largest importer, with goods totaling over 5.9 million rand
($861,000).
Bilateralism
Bilateralism consists of the political, economic, or cultural relations between two sovereign states. For example, free trade agreements signed by two states are examples of bilateral treaties. It is in contrast to unilateralism or multilateralism, which refers to the conduct of diplomacy by a...
between the Republic of China
Republic of China
The Republic of China , commonly known as Taiwan , is a unitary sovereign state located in East Asia. Originally based in mainland China, the Republic of China currently governs the island of Taiwan , which forms over 99% of its current territory, as well as Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu and other minor...
(Taiwan) and the Republic of South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
. The Republic of China and South Africa established diplomatic ties in 1949. The ties lasted and grew throughout the apartheid-era in South Africa and officially ended in January 1998 when South African President Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, and was the first South African president to be elected in a fully representative democratic election. Before his presidency, Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist, and the leader of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing...
recognized the People's Republic of China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
. Despite the recognition of the PR China, Taiwan and South Africa maintained a trade relationship.
Chinese South Africans
Chinese South Africans are an ethnic group of Chinese diaspora in South Africa. They and their ancestors immigrated to South Africa beginning during the Dutch colonial era in the Cape Colony
Cape Colony
The Cape Colony, part of modern South Africa, was established by the Dutch East India Company in 1652, with the founding of Cape Town. It was subsequently occupied by the British in 1795 when the Netherlands were occupied by revolutionary France, so that the French revolutionaries could not take...
. Among the Chinese South Africans are Taiwanese businesspeople who settled in South Africa during the apartheid era.
Politics
Relations were established in 1949 and grew considerably in 1971 after United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 withdrew international recognition of the Republic of ChinaRepublic of China
The Republic of China , commonly known as Taiwan , is a unitary sovereign state located in East Asia. Originally based in mainland China, the Republic of China currently governs the island of Taiwan , which forms over 99% of its current territory, as well as Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu and other minor...
in favor of the People's Republic of China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
. South Africa had previously maintained cool relations with Taiwan due to fears that closer relations would increase mainland China's support for the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, a liberation movement
Liberation movement
A liberation movement is an organization leading a rebellion against a colonial power or national government, often seeking independence based on a nationalist identity and an anti-imperialist outlook.-See also:*Anti-imperialism...
which already had ties to Communist China. Trade and political relations grew until the 1990s, when Nelson Mandela withdrew recognition of the ROC in favor of the mainland PRC. In 1976, both South Africa and the ROC upgraded their consulates to full embassy status. Both shared a similar international worldview, with the Taiwanese ambassador to South Africa H.K. Yang noting, "South Africa and my country are joined in the fight against communism
Anti-communism
Anti-communism is opposition to communism. Organized anti-communism developed in reaction to the rise of communism, especially after the 1917 October Revolution in Russia and the beginning of the Cold War in 1947.-Objections to communist theory:...
. We are in favour of free enterprise
Capitalism
Capitalism is an economic system that became dominant in the Western world following the demise of feudalism. There is no consensus on the precise definition nor on how the term should be used as a historical category...
, democracy
Democracy
Democracy is generally defined as a form of government in which all adult citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Ideally, this includes equal participation in the proposal, development and passage of legislation into law...
and freedom
Freedom
-Philosophy:* Free will, the ability to make choices* Political freedom, in the context of the relationship of the individual to the state* Economic freedom-Computing:...
". Relations expanded in the 1980s with South African leader P. W. Botha visiting in 1980 as Prime Minister and in 1986 as State President. Vice President of the Republic of China Hsieh Tung-min was present when the 1983 South African Constitution
South African Constitution of 1983
The Constitution of 1983 was South Africa's third constitution. It replaced the republican constitution that had been adopted when South Africa became a republic in 1961 and was in force for ten years before it was superseded by the Interim Constitution on 27 April 1994, which in turn led to the...
was inaugurated.
Military
Taiwan and South Africa cooperated significantly in the military arena. In 1980, the two countries signed an agreement for Taiwan to send South Africa a total of 4,000 tons of uraniumUranium
Uranium is a silvery-white metallic chemical element in the actinide series of the periodic table, with atomic number 92. It is assigned the chemical symbol U. A uranium atom has 92 protons and 92 electrons, of which 6 are valence electrons...
over six years. Taiwan, South Africa and Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
shared nuclear technology during this period.
Economics
In 1970 total two-way trade between South Africa and Republic of China amounted to US$7 million, by 1972 total two-way trade amounted to US$57 million with the balance strongly in South Africa's favour. This initial increase was due to strong South African exports of maizeMaize
Maize known in many English-speaking countries as corn or mielie/mealie, is a grain domesticated by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica in prehistoric times. The leafy stalk produces ears which contain seeds called kernels. Though technically a grain, maize kernels are used in cooking as a vegetable...
to Taiwan in 1971.
In 1975, the two governments signed a trade agreement which expanded trade relations considerably.
In 1985, 69% of Taiwanese imports from South Africa were either minerals or metals, while South Africa primarily imported textiles (27%) and machinery (22%). Taiwan, along with other newly industrialized Asian countries Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
and South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
, invested heavily in the internationally unrecognized bantustan
Bantustan
A bantustan was a territory set aside for black inhabitants of South Africa and South West Africa , as part of the policy of apartheid...
s of Transkei
Transkei
The Transkei , officially the Republic of Transkei , was a Bantustan—an area set aside for members of a specific ethnicity—and nominal parliamentary democracy in the southeastern region of South Africa...
, Bophuthatswana
Bophuthatswana
Bophuthatswana , officially the Republic of Bophuthatswana was a Bantustan – an area set aside for members of a specific ethnicity – and nominal parliamentary democracy in the northwestern region of South Africa...
, Ciskei
Ciskei
Ciskei was a Bantustan in the south east of South Africa. It covered an area of 2,970 square miles , almost entirely surrounded by what was then the Cape Province, and possessed a small coastline along the shore of the Indian Ocean....
and Venda
Venda
Venda was a bantustan in northern South Africa, now part of Limpopo province. It was founded as a homeland for the Venda people, speakers of the Venda language. It bordered modern Zimbabwe and South Africa, and is now part of Limpopo in South Africa....
. Trade relations grew rapidly in the late 1980s; in 1986, trade volume totaled $546 million and a year later, it totaled $911 million, an increase of 67% in one year. As of 1989, 2,000 visas had been issued for South African and Taiwanese businesspeople to visit and conduct business in each other's countries. In 1987, Taiwan had $100 million invested in the South African economy
Economy of South Africa
The economy of South Africa is the largest in Africa, accounts for 24% of its Gross Domestic Product in terms of PPP, and is ranked as an upper-middle income economy by the World Bank, which makes the country one of only four countries in Africa represented in this category...
. In 1996, South Africa estimated that it received approximately $80 million a year in aid from Taiwan. Included in that were scholarships for 15 South African students in Taiwan, a small business development project, a vocational training school and agricultural programs. South Africa also owed Taiwan approximately $50 million.
Culture
Taiwan and South Africa established several cultural exchanges in the 1980s; in 1984, South African General Johann Coetzee was awarded the Yun Hai medal of Taiwan for promoting the "traditional friendship and military cooperation" between the two countries. In 1987, an exchange program was established between the Cape Town Symphony OrchestraCape Town Symphony Orchestra
The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra is an orchestra based in Cape Town, Western Cape.-History:The CPO is part of a history of symphonies based in Cape Town which began in 1914....
and the Taipei Arts Festival.
Post-apartheid relations and derecognition
Politics
The fall of the apartheid reign and the resulting democratic elections of 1994South African general election, 1994
The South African general election of 1994 was an election held in South Africa to mark the end of apartheid, therefore also the first held with universal adult suffrage. The election was conducted under the direction of the Independent Electoral Commission .Millions queued in lines over a three...
considerably changed Taiwan's relations with South Africa. The Taiwanese government was aware that the new ANC
African National Congress
The African National Congress is South Africa's governing Africanist political party, supported by its tripartite alliance with the Congress of South African Trade Unions and the South African Communist Party , since the establishment of non-racial democracy in April 1994. It defines itself as a...
lead government was not likely to look on the Taiwanese government's support to apartheid South Africa during the years before 1994. In an attempt to improve relations with the new government the Taiwanese government embarked on a public relations campaign. Spending millions of dollars on flying out government officials, parliamentarians and representatives from South Africa's political parties to show them around the island. Even going as far as first donating US$10 million followed by another US$5 million donation to the ANC's election campaign in 1994.
Despite having some initial success the South African government was concerned how its relationship with Taiwan would effect its trade and diplomatic operations in the region after the British handover of Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
in 1997. The South Africans feared that after the hand over Beijing might force the closure of South Africa's diplomatic offices and the country would no longer be allowed to use the city as a transit route fore air traffic and trade with the rest of the region. Additionally the leadership of the Communist Party of South Africa, many of whom held important positions in the new government, were strongly in support of shifting recognition to the Peoples Republic of China.
In December 1996, South Africa announced it would end relations with Taiwan in favour of the People's Republic of China in January 1998; in response, Taiwan immediately canceled all aid programs and recalled its ambassador to South Africa.
Trade
Despite the derecognition of Taiwan, the two countries maintained trade relations; As of 2010, the Bank of TaiwanBank of Taiwan
The Bank of Taiwan is a bank headquartered in Taipei, Republic of China . It is administered and owned by the Executive Yuan of the Republic of China.-History:...
still maintained a branch in South Africa and in 2010 Taiwan ranked as South Africa's 16th largest importer, with goods totaling over 5.9 million rand
South African rand
The rand is the currency of South Africa. It takes its name from the Witwatersrand , the ridge upon which Johannesburg is built and where most of South Africa's gold deposits were found. The rand has the symbol "R" and is subdivided into 100 cents, symbol "c"...
($861,000).