Taipei, Oct. 7 -- Taiwan's diplomatic mission in South Africa is facing mounting pressure as the government in Pretoria moves to downgrade ties, allegedly under the influence of China, according to Taiwan News.

The South African government has ordered Taiwan to relocate its representative office from the capital, Pretoria, to Johannesburg, effectively ending a five-decade presence in the capital, as reported by Taiwan News.

According to Taiwan News, Taiwan's representative, Oliver Liao, said the shift is clearly politically motivated, stating, "We are not welcome here."

After Taiwan resisted the relocation, South Africa responded by altering the office's listing on official government websites, even removing Liao's name and replacing i...