The politics of South Africa's ''China switch''

In November 1996, the South African government without warning decided to derecognize the Republic of China (ROC) in favor of the People's Republic of China (PRC). The decision, which takes effect at the end of 1997, was preceded by months of intense public debate in South Africa on the country's relations with the two Chinese entities. The November decision represented a victory for the ''Beijing lobby'' over the ''dual recognition lobby'' which supported formal relations with both Taipei and Beijing. In the months leading up to the formal severance of their diplomatic ties, South Africa and the ROC will try to devise a formula for their future nonofficial relationship.