China-South Africa friendship reinvigorated at G20 Summit

• Published date: 17 November 2022
• Publication title: Mercury

President Xi noted that, “China and South Africa enjoy a special friendship of ‘comradeship plus brotherhood’. Both being major developing countries, China and South Africa firmly uphold international fairness and justice and the common interests of developing countries”

The two heads of state had an in-depth exchange of views and reached a broad consensus on the development of bilateral relations and co-operation in various fields, as well as regional and international issues of common concern, charting the course for the development of China-South Africa relations in the post-epidemic era and exerting far-reaching influence on the solidarity and co-operation between China and Africa and the rest of the developing countries.

Taking the helm and building new heights of strategic mutual trust, President Xi’s presence at the G20 Bali Summit is the first overseas visit by China’s top leader since the 20th CPC National Congress.The successful meeting between the two heads of state in the midst of their respective busy schedules fully reflects their profound personal friendship and the high level of China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership.

President Xi noted that China has all along viewed its relations with South Africa from a strategic height, and stands ready to consolidate political mutual trust and promote even greater development of the comprehensive strategic partnership with South Africa. President Xi gave an outline on the 20th CPC National Congress and its major results.

He said that the Communist Party of China (CPC) would continue to lead the Chinese people in advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernisation, and would continue to firmly pursue an independent foreign policy of peace and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

President Ramaphosa once again extended congratulations to President Xi on his re-election as General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, and on the full success of the 20th CPC National Congress. He said that South Africa finds in China an important strategic partner, and that South Africa will continue to firmly support the one-China principle without doubt. South Africa is ready to actively participate in Belt and Road co-operation, and hopes to enhance co-ordination and co-operation with China under the BRICS and other multilateral frameworks.

This year, President Xi and President Ramaphosa have spoken on the phone and exchanged...