Iran, China Reject US Criticism of South Africa’s Diplomatic Ties

Iran and China have rejected criticism from the United States regarding South Africa’s diplomatic relations. The response came after the US Embassy in Pretoria was accused of criticising the South African government for welcoming an Iranian minister and seeking closer ties with Beijing.

In a post on the social media platform X, the US Embassy in South Africa stated that the people of the country should observe who their government is choosing to align with. In response, Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng said that Beijing does not comment on the relations between South Africa and other nations and expects the same respect and courtesy in return. The Iranian embassy reportedly endorsed this statement, commenting, “Well said.”