While the two countries remain important trading partners, there are significant disagreements on geopolitical issues.
One of the main points of contention is South Africa's stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Pretoria has refused to condemn Russia's actions or join Western sanctions, which has strained relations with Washington.
Another source of tension is South Africa's growing relationship with China, which the US views as a strategic competitor. US lawmakers have introduced a bill calling for a review of relations with South Africa, citing concerns about its foreign policy and economic ties.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) case brought by South Africa against Israel in 2023 regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has had a significant impact on South Africa's relationship with the United States.
The US, a strong supporter of Israel, has criticized the case, and there have been calls for sanctions against South Africa. However, the two countries continue to have important economic and strategic ties, and it is unlikely that the relationship will sever completely.
Despite these challenges, there are also areas of cooperation between the two countries. The US remains a major source of foreign direct investment in South Africa, and the two countries collaborate on issues such as health, education, and climate change.
Overall, the relationship between South Africa and the United States is complex and evolving. While there are significant areas of disagreement, there is also potential for continued cooperation on issues of mutual interest.
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