In a recent development reported on September 25, 2025, Taiwan is considering countermeasures after South Africa downgraded and renamed Taiwan’s two representative offices. The Republic of China had initially announced on September 23 that there would be export controls on semiconductors and chips (referred to as “cores” in mainland China) in response. However, the Ministry of Economic Affairs stated today (25th) that after discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and reassessment, they have decided to pause the implementation of these controls.
Experts point out that the Republic of China government is planning to counter the collaboration between South Africa and the Chinese Communist Party by weaponizing chips. This move is seen as a way to hinder China’s efforts to impede Taiwan’s diplomatic space and help establish a global non-red semiconductor supply chain.
South Africa has a close relationship with China. Since October 2024, the South African government has twice requested Taiwan’s representative office to relocate from the capital, Pretoria. During negotiations, the South African Foreign Ministry not only renamed Taiwan’s representative office to Taipei Trade Office, but also changed the office’s location to Johannesburg. On July 21, the South African Foreign Ministry unilaterally announced the renaming and downgrading of Taiwan’s two representative offices to the Taipei Trade Office in Johannesburg and the Taipei Trade Office in Cape Town.
In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China has been discussing countermeasures with relevant departments, including limiting semiconductor exports to South Africa and urging South Africa to engage in negotiations with the Taiwan government. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed today that they have received a negotiation request from the South African government and have agreed to postpone the announcement process.
On September 23, the Ministry of Economic Affairs announced amendments to regulate the export of goods from the Free Trade Port Zone abroad, including provisions for goods requiring approval and the suspension of exports or imports to specific countries or regions or taking other necessary measures. A total of 47 items including semiconductors, chips, and memory devices being exported to South Africa must now undergo approval from the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The regulations are currently in a 60-day advance notice period and are expected to be officially implemented in late November.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Republic of China clarified today that this case has not been published in the Government Gazette, so it has not entered the formal notification process. It was only information published on the ministry’s website bulletin board. After discussions and confirmations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the decision to suspend the announcement was made.
Peng Jieshen, a former Marine Corps instructor of the Republic of China Navy’s Dangkou Group and former lecturer at Thunder God Consulting Company, expressed to Dajiyuan that Taiwanese chips play a crucial role in high-end global technology and military domains, particularly in unmanned aerial vehicles, self-propelled artillery, and AI systems. The supply and control of chips have become essential strategic issues internationally. High-end chips not only impact military capabilities but also influence economic development, agricultural upgrades, and technological advances in consumer goods. As national technological standards continue to rise, the influence of chips expands gradually.
Peng Jieshen stated that considering national security interests, the Republic of China is utilizing chip controls as a diplomatic and security response, weaponizing chips to serve as a deterrent against countries suppressing Taiwan. This approach is believed to aid in maintaining international supply chains and protecting national interests. Implementing chip controls on pro-Communist countries can enhance democratic supply chains and contribute to building a global non-red semiconductor supply chain.
Regarding the temporary suspension of chip controls by the Republic of China, he urged the government to establish chip control mechanisms and restrict the supply to individuals involved in smuggling or illegally selling high-end chips to communist countries. This measure is essential to prevent the leakage of Taiwan’s advanced chip technology to hostile forces.