Tension between Taiwan and China have escalated as China sees self-ruled Taiwan as a breakaway province. Taiwan has been given six months to complete this relocation.

The Department's Spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, says the request is consistent with diplomatic practice and the Geneva Convention,” Any trade office in the world, you'll struggle to find it in the capital city of a country that is normally the preserve of embassies and high commissions if ifs a Common Wealth Country, so South Africa's decision to ask the Taipei office to relocate is consistent with the diplomatic practice and also consistent actually with the Geneva Convention both on consuls and embassies, diplomatic ties that is. So that is the rationale behind the decision and its something we needed to ensure  is consistent with our foreign policy.”

--ChannelAfrica--