Attack not aimed at Pretoria, says minister

Taiwan said the hostage crisis was not linked to its troubled ties with South Africa.

'The incident will certainly affect our national image, but it will by no means affect the Government's present talks with the South African Government,' Foreign Minister Jason Hu said.

'This case is completely non-political,' Mr Hu said.

South African President Nelson Mandela said in November last year that Pretoria would sever diplomatic ties with Taipei and recognise Beijing by the end of the year.

Mr Hu said Taipei would remain in close contact with Pretoria over the crisis.

Pretoria had issued a statement saying it hoped for a speedy resolution.