China Commits to Intensifying Broad-Based Cooperation with South Africa

China has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with South Africa, vowing to intensify political cooperation and reinforce mutual confidence between the two nations.
Premier Li Qiang made the declaration after holding bilateral discussions with President Cyril Ramaphosa in Johannesburg on Friday, ahead of the forthcoming G20 Summit.

Conveying warm salutations from President Xi Jinping, Li highlighted the enduring and resilient bond that has long defined relations between Beijing and Pretoria.

Li stated that China stands prepared to collaborate closely with South Africa in defending the global multilateral trading framework and accelerating the rollout of zero-tariff access for South African exports.
He affirmed Beijing’s readiness to broaden cooperation across multiple sectors in order to advance shared development goals for both countries—and for the African continent more broadly.

This expanded cooperation, he noted, would draw on the nations’ complementary strengths in natural resources and economic structure, with particular attention to enhanced collaboration in mineral extraction, infrastructure development, and large-scale industrial projects.
Additional areas identified for deeper engagement include the automotive sector, energy production, artificial intelligence, and scientific and technological innovation, particularly in fields such as satellite navigation.

The Premier further urged both sides to intensify exchanges on poverty alleviation, rural transformation, and best practices in social development, while expanding joint initiatives in public health, cultural cooperation, education, and youth empowerment.

President Ramaphosa, on his part, expressed gratitude for China’s consistent support toward South Africa’s economic and social advancement, affirming Pretoria’s willingness to broaden and consolidate the partnership.
He also thanked Beijing for its backing of South Africa’s hosting of the G20 Summit, emphasising that China had played a pivotal role in helping the forum forge consensus and secure meaningful outcomes.

Source: Africa News