Taiwan has cut off diplomatic ties with South Africa after the latter country established full relations with China.

Taiwan denounced an agreement between China and South Africa on the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The signing of the agreement in Pretoria

Under the pact signed on Tuesday in Pretoria, South Africa recognises Beijing as the sole legitimate government of China.

South Africa will adhere to the "one China" policy that recognises Beijing alone as the official government. This leaves only 29 countries that continue to recognise Taiwan.

News of China's agreement with South Africa on the establishment of diplomatic ties has been the focus of media attention in Taiwan.

At the Taiwanese foreign ministry on Wednesday, South Africa's ambassador to Taipei, Cornelius Schultz, bade a formal farewell.

The closure of the South African embassy, with a flag-lowering ceremony, signals Taipei's loss of its most influential ally.

Foreign Minister Jason Hu: "We do exist. We are real"

At the ceremony, the island's Foreign Minister, Jason Hu, put on a brave face.

He said: "We do exist. We are real. And if we try to ignore the fact there is a divided China, then we are entertaining some illusions."

In a brief speech, Taiwanese political counsellor Joseph Shih said the ending of 1997 also marked the closing of a chapter on Chinese-South African relations.

"It is with heavy heart that I stand here to officiate the ceremony of the lowering of our national flag," Shih said.

Taiwan press secretary Joel Kao said that Taipei would review its suspension of government-to-government aid projects to South Africa, which it imposed in November 1997 in retaliation for Pretoria's decision to cut ties.

The Chinese embassy is being officially be opened in Pretoria on Thursday.

In Beijing, the Chinese government protested to Singapore about plans by Taiwan's Vice President Lien Chan to spend a New Year holiday there.

Although Singapore has close ties with China, it like other countries in the area, is reluctant to ignore Taiwan's economic clout in South East Asia.
 

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage	©