China has praised South Africa's decision to relocate a Taiwan-affiliated institution in Pretoria, calling it a firm defense of the one-China principle while criticizing what it describes as Taiwan's attempts to weaponize semiconductor trade. The remarks came during a Wednesday press briefing by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, following reports of Taiwan-imposed chip export restrictions on South Africa.
Guo characterized Taiwan's semiconductor measures as a 'deliberate move to destabilize global chip supply chains' and a violation of the international consensus recognizing Beijing as China's sole legitimate government. 'Such political manipulation will only end in failure,' he stated, emphasizing that 28% of global mature chip capacity now originates from the Chinese mainland.
The relocation of Taiwan's institution follows South Africa's gradual downgrading of unofficial ties with the island since 2023. Customs data cited by Guo shows Chinese mainland chip exports to South Africa tripled those from the Taiwan region in 2024, suggesting limited impact from the export curbs. 'Taiwan's measures will backfire,' Guo asserted, pledging expanded Sino-South African cooperation in semiconductors and other strategic sectors.
Analysts view the development as part of broader geopolitical tensions surrounding advanced technology. While Taiwan remains a key player in high-end chip manufacturing, China's growing dominance in mature-node semiconductors—critical for automotive and industrial applications—is reshaping global trade dynamics.
