(23 September 2026, 15:00)

Hon Mr Govender , Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP,

Hon Mr Frolick , House Chairperson of the National Assembly,

Hon Mr Radebe, House Chairperson of the NCOP,

Hon. Chairpersons of Portfolio Committees and Members of Parliament of South Africa,

Hon Mr Simmers, Acting Premier of the Western Cape,

Hon Mr Mitchell, Speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament,

Distinguished representatives of provincial and municipal governments and legislatures,

Fellow members of the diplomatic corps, dear Chinese compatriots,

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,

Good afternoon!

Today, Cape Town is filled with the colors of spring. Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival is just two days away. At this warm time, I am delighted to join friends from all walks of life to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.On behalf of the Consulate-General of China in Cape Town, I extend a very warm welcome and my sincere thanks to all of you for joining us today.

I. Striving Forward: China Brings Greater Certainty to a Changing World

Over the past 77 years, China has grown from a country that was poor and underdeveloped into the world’s second-largest economy. We have achieved two major miracles: rapid economic development and long-term social stability.

This year also marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. Over the past 105 years, the Party has led the Chinese people to embark on a path of Chinese modernization suited to its own national conditions.

This year marks the beginning of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. The Chinese economy has remained stable and continued to improve in quality. New energy vehicles are now part of everyday life. Intelligent robots are moving out of laboratories and into practical applications. Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of industries across the economy. China is steadily moving from a major manufacturing country towards a leading country in advanced manufacturing and innovation.

At a time of growing uncertainty around the world, China’s development brings a valuable sense of stability and certainty.As some countries turn towards protectionism, China continues to open its economy wider. China has introduced a zero-tariff policy for products from all 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China.

President Xi Jinping has put forward four major global initiatives—the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative. They offer Chinese ideas and solutions for promoting peace, stability and prosperity around the world.

In November, the APEC Summit will be held in China. Next year, China will sponsor the BRICS summit. China will continue to work with countries of the Global South and make its voice heard more strongly in global affairs.

II. Local Cooperation: Deepening the Friendship Between China and South Africa

China and South Africa are true friends, good brothers and close partners. Our friendship has crossed mountains and oceans and stood the test of time. If high-level diplomacy sets the direction for China-South Africa relations, local cooperation brings tangible benefits to our two peoples.

High-level exchanges have been frequent and substantive. In March 25-27, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng visited South Africa. His three-day, two-night programme was entirely based in Cape Town. He met with President Ramaphosa, co-chaired the Bilateral Cooperation Mechanism with Deputy President Paul Mashatile, and had an in-depth exchange with Speaker Didiza on parliamentary exchanges between our two countries. In July, Acting Premier Simmers and I witnessed the signing of a friendly cooperation agreement between Mount Tai in Shandong Province and Table Mountain in the Western Cape. Two iconic mountains shake hands across the Pacific and Indian oceans. In August, Premier Winde of the Western Cape and Premier Mabuyane of the Eastern Cape led delegations to China, seeking investment and cooperation opportunities in energy and electricity development. And today, Cape Town City Manager Lungelo Mbandazayo is visiting China, continuing to strengthen exchanges between Cape Town and its sister cities of Wuhan and Shenzhen.

Our practical cooperation is also delivering tangible results.China has remained South Africa’s largest trading partner and largest export market for 16 consecutive years. During my nine months in office, I have travelled across the Eastern, Western and Northern Cape provinces. I have seen first-hand the results of China-South Africa cooperation.

Chinese companies such as Hisense, Longyuan Power, Energy China, PowerChina, BAIC and FAW have established a presence in these provinces. They are contributing to renewable energy, automobile manufacturing, home appliances, finance and other sectors, while creating thousands of jobs.Since the implementation of the zero-tariff policy on 1 May this year, South African products such as citrus, wine and Rooibos tea have gained faster access to the Chinese market. From South African farms to Chinese dining tables, new opportunities for growth are emerging and benefiting communities and families.

This year is also the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. The Consulate-General has continued to organise exchanges and training programmes in China for people from different sectors, including environmental protection, digitalization, agriculture and culture and tourism. Events such as our “Z Generation” Open Day, the Cape Town China Year and the Dragon Boat Festival have brought our two peoples closer together.

I have been particularly touched by the story of our South African friend, Mr Alan Ramsay. With a deep affection for China, Mr Ramsey has travelled to nearly ten Chinese cities this April. Through his photographs and writing, he has recorded a real, diverse and vibrant China. He has brought these experiences together in a beautifully illustrated travel book.We have specially printed 200 copies of the book as gifts for our guests today.We hope that more people like Mr Ramsey will become people-to-people ambassadors, telling the China story and carrying forward the friendship between China and South Africa.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,

Local cooperation and national diplomacy reinforce each other. Together, they are a vivid reflection of the new era of the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership.The Consulate-General of China in Cape Town will continue to work closely with our friends in Parliament, provincial and local governments, businesses, universities and cultural institutions.Together, we can ensure that the friendship between China and South Africa continues to grow from strength to strength, and from generation to generation.

As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, I wish all our guests and friends good health, happiness and prosperity, and wish your families peace and joy.

Finally, may I propose a toast:

To the 77th anniversary of the founding of the PRC,

To the prosperity of China and South Africa,

To the lasting friendship between our two peoples,

And to the health and happiness of all distinguished guests present,

Cheers! 

Thank you!