Overview
- South Africa formally downgraded and renamed Taiwan’s liaison offices in a notice issued July 21 and backdated to take effect from April 1, 2025.
- Taiwan’s economic ministry on September 23 announced approval requirements for 47 semiconductor-related items bound for South Africa, then paused the curbs on September 25 after Pretoria requested negotiations.
- China’s foreign ministry condemned Taipei’s proposed restrictions and signaled support for South Africa, saying Chinese suppliers could cover any chip shortfall.
- South Africa’s foreign affairs spokesperson framed ties with Taiwan as non-political and highlighted the country’s platinum group metals as critical inputs for global chipmaking.
- Analysts warn prolonged friction could imperil South Africa’s access to advanced semiconductors, threatening industries from automotive manufacturing to data centers, AI and 5G rollout.