SA and China Strengthen Ties in Bilateral Talks Ahead of President's State Visit

During this inaugural meeting, the two Ministers discussed the longstanding and robust ties between South Africa and China, exploring various areas of cooperation.

Beijing - Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, held a significant meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi, on Sunday in Beijing. The talks, which occurred ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State Visit to China and the upcoming Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), focused on strengthening bilateral, multilateral, and geopolitical relations between the two nations.

During this inaugural meeting, the two Ministers discussed the longstanding and robust ties between South Africa and China, exploring various areas of cooperation. They agreed to address and restructure bilateral trade, aiming to increase mutually beneficial investments in key sectors such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing, the automotive industry, green technologies, and infrastructure development.

The discussions also highlighted South Africa’s efforts in beneficiation, enhancing market access, driving economic growth, creating local jobs, and facilitating the transfer of skills between the two nations.

China remains South Africa's largest trading partner globally, while South Africa holds the position as China’s top trading partner in Africa. The bilateral trade between the two countries saw significant growth, rising from R614 billion in 2022 to R692 billion in 2023.

On the subject of Africa-China cooperation, Minister Lamola emphasized the importance of aligning FOCAC with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, particularly its Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan. He noted that the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is critical for promoting intra-African trade, boosting economic growth, and addressing the continent’s infrastructure needs.

Through FOCAC, China offers a unique platform to support continental and regional initiatives, including efforts toward continental integration. The Ministers also reflected on their cooperation within the multilateral context, particularly through their membership in BRICS and the G20.

In addition, Minister Lamola welcomed China’s recent diplomatic efforts to facilitate a reconciliation agreement among Palestinian factions, which resulted in the signing of the Beijing Declaration. He commended these initiatives as crucial for peacebuilding and underscored China’s significant role in this regard. The Minister also highlighted the importance of addressing conflicts on the African continent.

Both Ministers agreed on the necessity for comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including the Security Council, to enhance its ability to respond to global challenges. They emphasized the need to amplify the representation of the developing South, particularly countries from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, within the UN's structures.

The meeting underscores the deepening ties between South Africa and China, as both nations prepare for further high-level engagements during President Ramaphosa’s visit and the FOCAC Summit.