The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the South African government is calling
for Taiwan's representative office in the capital of Pretoria to be relocated
before the end of October.

The ministry says the move has been ordered due to pressure from China on the
South African government.

Foreign ministry officials are reportedly seeking to convince the South
African government to withdraw its request, as such a move would be
detrimental to the current cordial bilateral exchanges in trade, education
and technology.

Officials say if South Africa remains uncompromising on the issue, Taiwan
will consider measures to safeguard its sovereignty and integrity.

No information concerning what measures Taiwan could take has been confirmed.

But reports are saying Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has asked the ministry
to come up with reciprocal countermeasures, including a possible request for
the relocation of the South Africa representative office in Taipei.

Other potential countermeasures include stricter visa rules for South African
travelers to Taiwan and the suspension of bilateral educational exchanges.

There are currently some 5,000 South African English teachers in Taiwan.