China opens embassy in South Africa as Taipei links downgraded

China opened its embassy in South Africa on New Year's day, in a ceremony attended by the foreign ministers of both countries, completing the establishment of full diplomatic relations.

The Chinese foreign minister, Qian Qichen, said he hoped Taiwanese people would use the embassy.

Taiwan shut its embassy in the South African capital on Wednesday, following South Africa's decision to switch its diplomatic relations to Beijing.

Diplomatic links between Taiwan and South Africa have been reduced to liaison offices.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service