South Africa and China have celebrated 25 years of diplomatic relations, marked by President Xi Jinping’s fourth state visit to South Africa. The visit comes at a time when both nations have supported each other through various challenges, including apartheid and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deepening Bilateral Cooperation
The main focus of the visit is to deepen cooperation between the two nations in various fields such as trade, investment, infrastructure development, energy, tourism, education and training, and digital technologies. China has been instrumental in providing equipment, materials, and vaccines to African countries during the pandemic. However, the two countries are keen to address the trade deficit, and one approach discussed is ensuring greater market access for value-added South African export goods into the Chinese market.
Collaboration in Multilateral Matters
The two leaders have agreed to consult closely on issues of common concern within the context of BRICS, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the G77 plus China, and the G20. They have also discussed areas of synergy, aligning with South Africa and other African countries’ call for the reform of global governance institutions such as the United Nations Security Council. Both parties agree that the interests of the Global South must be fairly represented on all multilateral fora.
BRICS Summit and China-Africa Leaders’ Roundtable
President Ramaphosa and President Xi eagerly anticipate the upcoming BRICS Summit, where they agree that BRICS must play an expanded role in global affairs. They will also co-chair a China-Africa Leaders’ Roundtable on the sidelines of the state visit. This roundtable aims to further deepen cooperation between China and the African continent, focusing on the development, industrialisation, and integration of African economies.
Enduring Friendship
The enduring friendship between the People’s Republic of China and South Africa is an embodiment of the principles laid out in the Freedom Charter. Both countries remain committed to achieving common prosperity for their respective peoples and the Global South, in general.
Beacon of Hope
As the world faces numerous challenges, the strengthened ties between South Africa and China serve as a beacon of hope for international cooperation and mutual progress. Both nations are eager to collaborate and support each other in various domains, with the common goal of achieving common prosperity for their respective nations and the Global South.
