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China and South Africa Strengthen Ties with New Strategic Partnership

In a significant step toward deepening bilateral relations, South Africa and China have elevated their relationship to an "All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in a New Era" during President Cyril Ramaphosa's state visit to China on September 2, 2024. The visit, marked by mutual respect and shared visions, has set the stage for a more robust collaboration between the two nations across various sectors, with a focus on economic growth, political stability, and global influence.

Strengthening Political Ties and Mutual Support

President Xi Jinping of China warmly welcomed President Ramaphosa, highlighting the long-standing friendship between China and South Africa. Both leaders acknowledged the exceptional progress made in their bilateral relations over the past 26 years, citing the "golden era" of cooperation marked by President Xi’s visit to South Africa in 2023. This growing partnership, they agreed, serves as a model for developing countries in the Global South, showcasing the power of solidarity in achieving common development goals.

China reaffirmed its support for South Africa's efforts to build a united, just, and prosperous nation, as outlined in its National Development Plan. In return, South Africa expressed its unwavering support for China's core interests, including its One-China Policy and efforts toward national reunification. Both nations committed to enhancing their cooperation on human rights, emphasizing mutual respect, equality, and the protection of vulnerable groups.

Economic Collaboration and the Belt and Road Initiative

A key outcome of the visit was the agreement to align China’s Belt and Road Initiative with South Africa’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. This synergy aims to boost economic ties, with a focus on expanding trade, increasing market access, and encouraging two-way investments. The two nations plan to strengthen cooperation in traditional fields such as agriculture and infrastructure, while also exploring opportunities in emerging sectors like digital economy, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence.

To support these efforts, China and South Africa will leverage mechanisms like the China-South Africa Joint Working Group and the Joint Economic and Trade Committee. These platforms will facilitate structured dialogues and ensure that both nations benefit from a stable, fair, and enabling business environment.

Global Influence and Shared Vision for a Multipolar World

On the global stage, China and South Africa are committed to promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world. The two leaders applauded China's initiatives—Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative—as pivotal in enhancing global peace, security, and development. South Africa, recognizing China’s growing role in international affairs, looks forward to close cooperation on global challenges such as climate change, poverty alleviation, and conflict resolution.

The leaders also discussed the importance of reforming international institutions like the United Nations, advocating for greater representation of developing countries in the Security Council. They reiterated their commitment to upholding the core values of the World Trade Organization, resisting protectionism, and ensuring a fair global economic order.

Strengthening China-Africa Relations

Beyond bilateral ties, the visit also underscored the importance of China-Africa relations. The two leaders reflected on the success of the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue held in South Africa in 2023 and expressed optimism for the upcoming Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Both nations are committed to aligning their efforts with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, ensuring that the interests of both China and Africa are well-represented on the global stage.

A New Chapter in China-South Africa Relations

President Ramaphosa’s state visit to China concluded with the signing of several bilateral agreements, ranging from satellite navigation cooperation to trade in dairy products and cultural exchanges. These agreements signal a new chapter in China-South Africa relations, promising a future of shared prosperity and mutual respect.

The visit was hailed as a resounding success by both nations, with President Ramaphosa expressing deep gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by President Xi and the people of China. As the two countries embark on this new era of strategic partnership, the world will be watching how this relationship continues to evolve and shape the global landscape.