Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Thursday that China appreciates South Africa's recent decision to withdraw diplomatic recognition of the Taiwan region's representative office in Pretoria, calling it a positive move that reflects the widely shared international consensus on the one-China principle.

According to a Government Gazette issued by Pretoria, the South African government has officially revoked its diplomatic recognition of Taiwan's office in the capital, urging the office to relocate to Johannesburg.

ALSO READ: Defense Ministry: ‘Taiwan independence’ provocations lead to self-destruction

The Taipei Liaison Office in Cape Town will also be renamed the Taipei Commercial Office in Cape Town, according to the notice.

Speaking at a regular news briefing in Beijing, Guo said that the one-China principle forms the political foundation for China to establish and develop bilateral relations with other countries, and it is both a fundamental norm of international relations and a broad consensus within the international community.

READ MORE: New flight route benefits both sides of Taiwan Strait, says mainland spokesperson

"The South African government's independent and sovereign decision is a proactive step in upholding the one-China principle and is consistent with the spirit of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758," Guo said.

It also reflects the essence of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and South Africa in the new era, he added.

Guo said that China is willing to continue strengthening mutual support with South Africa on issues concerning each other's core interests.