DA Federal Chairperson Ivan Meyer. PICTURE: THOMAS HOLDER.
A DIPLOMATIC spat is brewing between the Democratic Alliance (DA) and China after the Chinese Consulate General in Durban took the unprecedented step of barring DA federal chairperson Ivan Meyer from entering the country.
This ban extends to Meyer's family, prohibiting them from visiting or engaging in business with China-based firms.
The diplomatic dispute stems from Meyer’s recent visit to Taiwan, which Chinese authorities see as provocative.
Meyer, who also serves as the MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development, and Tourism in the Western Cape, has been at the heart of this escalating tension, drawing condemnation from Beijing.
On Monday, the Chinese Consulate issued a scathing public statement regarding Meyer’s visit, accusing him of “blatantly violating the one-China principle” and “grossly interfering in China’s internal affairs.”
The statement detailed that because of his actions, “Ivan Meyer and his family members were prohibited from entering the mainland, Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions of China” and are also barred from conducting economic and trade exchanges with Chinese citizens and institutions.
This latest development raises concerns about potential repercussions for the DA's relationship with Chinese companies, particularly as party leader John Steenhuisen was actively fostering partnerships during a trip to China with President Cyril Ramaphosa in September last year, along with other ministers who are part of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
During the visit, Steenhuisen celebrated the signing of significant agreements aimed at improving South Africa's agricultural exports, including protocols for dairy and wool.
The delegation, which included DA's Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson, made efforts to strengthen bilateral ties through declarations with notable companies such as the China Communications Construction Company.
Steenhuisen’s own words echoed the ambition of these ties: “These are game changers for South Africa’s Agricultural sector and our economy.”
Meyer is known to enjoy special relations with the Taiwanese Liaison Office in the Western Cape led by Director Lily Chen.
Last June, Chen donated 8 tons of rice, enough to provide relief for over 10 000 people, an initiative Meyer passionately endorsed as pivotal in alleviating hunger and poverty in the region.
Despite the mounting pressure, Meyer is currently unclear on the exact implications of the ban, telling the Daily News that he has not received any formal communication from the Chinese Embassy.Therefore, he could not comment on the unfolding situation.
Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), declined to comment.
This incident has thrust into the spotlight broader issues concerning diplomatic relations, especially in an era where geopolitical boundaries frequently shift and reshape alliances.
Dominique Jaftha, the DA’s senior national communications officer, said: “We are not commenting this issue at this time.”
As tensions rise, the future of the DA’s ties with China remains uncertain, with potential implications for agricultural and economic development in South Africa.
Attempts to receive responses from Macpherson and DA national spokesperson Willie Aucamp have yielded no results at the time of publication.
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DAILY NEWS