The BBC's Jim Fish analyses the new agreement

China and South Africa have established full diplomatic relations at a ceremony in Pretoria.

The treaty, signed by the visiting Chinese Foreign Minister, Qian Qichen, and his South African counterpart, Alfred Nzo, comes into effect on the first of January.

The move severs South Africa's diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China regards as a renegade province.

A joint statement issued after the ceremony said South Africa recognised that Taiwan was an inalienable part of China.

Taiwan condemned the South African decision, saying it damaged Taiwanese dignity.

Diplomatic links between Taiwan and South Africa will be reduced to liaison offices.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
 

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