It would make sense to ask the Chinese to help us out

It was exceedingly strange that two government, or government-related, departments went public this week to show how South Africa is truly caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to the dilemma of Vladimir Putin.

First, the SA reserve Bank put out an extraordinary series of Tweets outlining the bleak scenarios which could follow this country being placed under US or European sanctions for its position on the Russian president and any failure to execute the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for him.

ALSO READ: SA’s Putin dance is embarrassing

These, including removal from the world’s main payment systems and restrictions on new investments from the West, could have devastating impacts on our economy.

Then, the department of international relations and co-operation (Dirco) confirmed that, although Putin would be given diplomatic immunity for his August visit for the Brics summit, such immunity would not override the ICC obligations.

The public statements by the two institutions may have been a plea to Putin, or our partners in Brics, that our country faces ruin by failing to meet the ICC obligation.

ALSO READ: Putin’s visit is a red flag for sanctions

This may have been setting the stage for the ANC to lobby China to take over the hosting of the summit.

That option is being considered, a government source confirmed to Reuters news agency Worryingly, news reports quoted deputy minister Obed Bapela as telling the BBC that the ANC was considering amending the local law, which makes it obligatory to carry out ICC warrants. That would almost certainly be seen as SA reneging on its ICC commitments.

Dirco Minister Naledi Pandor said the government was considering its legal options, but there has been no indication of what those options are.

ALSO READ: Rome Statute may mean SA has no choice but to arrest Putin

It would make sense to ask the Chinese to help us out. They are our biggest trading partner and are keen to exert influence in Africa. It could save face … and our economy.