--By Consul-General You Wenze, published on Cape Times, March 2 

JANUARY 1, 2023 is the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa.There will be various events to celebrate the anniversary. Over the past 25 years, the political mutual trust between the two countries has been deepened, economic and trade co-operation has been fruitful, people-to-people and cultural exchanges have been colourful, local co-operation has become increasingly close, and the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership has been deepened.

The two countries have established a brother-comrade friendship,and the high-level leaders of China and South Africa have always had close exchanges. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith and the principles of pursuing the greater good and shared interests by President Xi Jinping.

In the past 10 years, President Xi has paid three state visits to South Africa. In 2022 alone, President Xi Jinping met with President Ramaphosa successfully and had over 10 telephonic or mail exchanges. South Africa is China’s trusted good friend. The two sides respect, understand and support each other on issues involving both sides’core interests and major concerns. The bilateral relationship has withstood the severe test of the Covid-19 and the complex and volatile international situation.

South Africa is the first African country to sign a memorandum of understanding with China to work together to promote the “Belt and Road Initiative”. The co-operation on projects has been fruitful, resulting in local economic and social development. In 2022, the trade volume between China and South Africa reached US $56.7 billion, an increase of 5% against the trend, reaching a new high level in recent years. 

The bilateral trade volume between China and South Africa accounts for one fifth of the total trade volume between China and Africa. China has been the largest trading partner of South Africa for 14 consecutive years,and South Africa has become the largest trading partner of China in Africa for 13 consecutive years.

The “nine projects” of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (Focac) have accelerated the implementation in South Africa. South Africa has become the first country in Africa for the commercial use of 5G networks.China-South Africa information technology co-operation has led China and Africa to jointly usher in the fourth industrial revolution. South Africa is also one of the largest investment destinations for Chinese enterprises in Africa. By the end of 2021, China had invested more than $US25bn in South Africa.

In 2017, China and South Africa established the high-level People-to-People Exchange Mechanism (PPEM), covering education, culture,health, sports and youth affairs.The third meeting of the mechanism co-hosted by Chinese Vice-Premier Sun Chunlan and Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa was just held in Cape Town, which will further consolidate the public foundation of China-South Africa friendship, promote the people-to-people and cultural exchanges to enter into a new comprehensive, multi-level and institutionalized development stage.

In 2023, South Africa takes over the chairship of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia,India, China and South Africa). The development of China-South Africa relations will usher in new develop-ment opportunities. The two sides will continue to deepen political mutual trust, expand co-operation in trade, investment,energy and other fields, promote the implementation of the achievements of Focac, and jointly promote the construction of a China-Africa community of shared future and a community of shared future for mankind.

The China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership will reach a new high!