Taiwan Considers Halting Chip Exports to South Africa Amid Diplomatic Tensions
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs may restrict semiconductor exports to South Africa in response to the unilateral downgrading of Taiwan's diplomatic offices. The move, viewed as bowing to China's influence, has led Taiwan to signal its discontent through potential economic countermeasures.
- Country:
- Taiwan
In a significant diplomatic development, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is evaluating the suspension of semiconductor exports to South Africa. This consideration follows South Africa's decision to downgrade Taiwan's representative offices, a move made without prior consultation, as detailed by the Taipei Times.
Director-General Philippe Yen Chia-liang from MOFA's Department of West Asian and African Affairs condemned the action, labeled as political appeasement to Beijing. He cited a breach of the 1997 bilateral agreement that secured Taiwan's presence in South Africa post-1998 diplomatic severance. The decision signals a stark shift in foreign policy attributed to Chinese pressure and compromises Taiwan's sovereignty.
MOFA, collaborating with other governmental bodies, is contemplating economic reprisals, including restricting semiconductor exports. Although Taiwan is not a primary chip provider to South Africa, their dominant global role makes this potential restriction a poignant diplomatic gesture. Taiwan's offices in South Africa remain open amid the unfolding tensions.
(With inputs from agencies.)
Google News