China, South Africa strengthen ‘golden era’ bilateral relationship

BEIJING – Chinese President Xi Jinping held a meeting with South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile on Monday during Mashatile’s visit to Beijing.

President Xi remarked on the 25th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and South Africa and described the bilateral relationship as entering a “golden era.”

Wang Yi, China’s State Councillor and Foreign Minister, was present at the meeting.

During President Xi’s fourth state visit to South Africa in August, both leaders agreed that China and Pretoria should be strategic partners characterized by high-level mutual trust, development partners progressing together, friendly partners enjoying mutual understanding, and global partners committed to justice.

“China stands ready to work with South Africa to continuously enrich the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership and take bilateral relations to a new level,” President Xi stated.

He also expressed China’s support for SA in exploring a modernization path tailored to its national conditions, emphasizing the importance of consolidating political mutual trust and upgrading mutually beneficial cooperation.

President Xi extended China’s willingness to work with Pretoria and other African nations to implement initiatives supporting Africa’s industrialization, agricultural modernization, and talent development.

He also mentioned the eight major steps for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, focusing on creating high-standard, sustainable projects benefiting people’s livelihood and strengthening China-Africa cooperation for a shared future.

Furthermore, President Xi called for continued cooperation within the BRICS mechanism and solidifying solidarity and cooperation among developing countries.

This collaboration aims to promote global governance system development in favor of developing nations.

South Africa appreciates China friendship

Deputy President Mashatile praised President Xi’s successful state visit to SA in August, which bolstered the traditional friendship between Pretoria and China.

He mentioned that President Ramaphosa awarded President Xi the highest honor, underscoring the South African people’s affirmation and appreciation of President Xi’s contributions to fostering South Africa-China friendship.

Pretoria seeks to strengthen the synergy between its development strategy and China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

The two nations will deepen practical cooperation across various sectors.

The famed rainbow nation highly values China’s efforts in safeguarding the interests of developing countries and world peace.

They hope to reinforce collaboration with China in multilateral mechanisms like BRICS.

The latest meeting further enhances the long-standing partnership between China and South Africa, highlighting their commitment to mutual growth and global cooperation.