Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
PRESS STATEMENT ON RELATIONS WITH THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
A reported statement by a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of the People's Republic of China relating to diplomatic recognition in South Africa of the People's Republic of China has been noted. It is not seen as placing conditions on South Africa's future relations in the Greater China region. In declaring its intention to establish full relations with the People's Republic of China at the end of 1997 the South African Government has informed the Government of the PRC that it intends endeavouring to ensure a smooth transition in the normalisation of relations with the People's Republic of China. Representatives of the respective governments will actively work to achieve a modus vivendi for future relations in the coming months. It is in the interest of both countries that we should strive to ensure the most beneficial relationship possible between the Republic of South Africa and the People's Republic of China.
At the same time South Africa has extensive relations, including at the present time full diplomatic relations, with the Republic of China on Taiwan. President Mandela has assured President Lee that South Africa will always appreciate the contribution that the people of Taiwan made to the smooth transition to democracy in South Africa. It is the sincere desire of South Africa to maintain friendly relations that have been built up over years and it is hoped that it will be possible to continue to conduct constructive relations with the Republic of China on Taiwan. It is understood that the Government of the People's Republic of China would in no way object or oppose such a continuing relationship short of diplomatic recognition with the Republic of China on Taiwan.
It was for this reason that the Department issued a statement on 5 December 1996 regretting that the Government of the Republic of China on Taiwan had reacted in the manner indicated by Foreign Minister, Mr John Chang who is visiting South Africa at this time.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 6 DECEMBER 1996