The Presidential Years

President Nelson Mandela’s statement on South Africa's relations with the Greater Chinese region - 27 November 1996

READS STATEMENT - South Africa's relations with the Greater Chinese region

The guiding principle in South Africa's position towards the Greater China region has always been that South Africa wishes to have cordial relations with both the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China on Taiwan. This principle has been based on the strong economic relations that South Africa maintains with both the People's Republic of China and with Taiwan. This principle will continue to guide South Africa's relations with the Greater China region.

On assumption of office, we stated that we had inherited a situation with South Africa recognising the Republic of China on Taiwan, but that these relations could not be abandoned overnight. I, and the South African Government, have enormous appreciation for the contribution that the Government of the Republic of China has made to the RDP and specifically for the commitment of the Government of the Republic of China to encourage greater participation by the Taiwanese business sector in the economic development of South Africa. The Republic of China, further, made a generous and much appreciated contribution to South Africa's transition to democracy and I would like to pay special tribute to Ambassador I-Cheng Lo for his personal endeavours in this regard.

In its international relations, South Africa has become an active participant within the ambit of the OAU and the Non-Aligned Movement, as well as within the United Nations system. A permanent continuation of diplomatic recognition of the Republic of China on Taiwan is inconsistent with South Africa's role in international affairs.

I had the opportunity to meet with the representatives of the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China yesterday. I expressed the hope that within the next twelve months it would be possible to achieve a smooth transition, acceptable to both the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of China on Taiwan, in terms of which South Africa accords diplomatic recognition to the People's Republic of China, but continues to conduct constructive relations with Taiwan.

QUESTION

The People’s Republic China made it clear that they would not tolerate that and it is impossible to move forward on the basis of dual recognition

QUESTION

It is clear from my statement that we are saying we are now giving diplomatic relations to the People’s Republic of China and that therefore we are downgrading our diplomatic relations with the Republic of China on Taiwan. That is the position.

QUESTION - WHEN

We have informed ambassador Lo as I point out in my statement and he has indicated to me that his President is keen to come and see me on this matter. I have got an open door, I will see him. We do not want act abruptly towards the Republic of China on Taiwan. They are our friends and we expressed the hope that they will continue to be our friends even though we have now granted diplomatic relations to the People’s Republic of China.

WHAT DOES DOWNGRADE MEAN

We will cancel our diplomatic relations with effect from December 1997. That’s what that means. As the Minister of Foreign Affairs says, we will continue to maintain all our relations except diplomatic.

… 31 December 1997. We have given that time for them to wind up their affairs.

QUESTION

As I say I nearly informed the ambassador, and today he informed me of the possibility that his President might come to discuss the matter with me. As I say if he does so, I will see him.

QUESTION Is there a national interest in this?

They have the biggest population in the world. They have a growing economy which has a growth rate of about 10% and they are permanent members of the Security Council. They are recognised by almost every country with the exception of smaller countries. We are the biggest country that has diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China {SIC}.

We regret this very much because we inherited a situation which in terms of public international law would require us to maintain relations until Taiwan does actions which in terms of public international law would give us the right to cancel diplomatic relations. They have not done so, but the international relations demand that we should recognise the People’s Republic of China.

QUESTION

That will depend on neutral arrangements between ourselves, but that’s a matter for the future

QUESTION: Would you agree with the saying that in foreign relations you don’t have friends, you only have interests?

Well, we have both friends and interests.

UnknownMT_1996-11-27-clip#01-Statement on recognition of PR of China

Original Source

SABC Information Library, Johannesburg.