Strengthening bonds of friendship and progress

Sikho Matiwane

On September 2, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was warmly welcomed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, marking the beginning of a State visit that underscores the deepening ties between China and South Africa.

This visit is a testament to the deep and growing ties between South Africa and China, a relationship that has evolved into one of the most crucial partnerships on the African continent.

The timing of Ramaphosa’s State visit is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with the 2024 Forum on China- Africa Co-operation (Focac) Summit, a landmark event which started on Thursday and runs until Friday.

This summit is expected to further solidify the relationship between China and its African partners, with South Africa playing a pivotal role.

In the initial meeting between the two leaders, Ramaphosa emphasised South Africa’s unwavering commitment to the One China policy, a foundational element of China’s foreign policy.

“We remain committed to the One China policy,” Ramaphosa declared, aligning South Africa firmly with the stance that there is only one sovereign state under the name China, with Taiwan being an inalienable part of it. This policy, upheld by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), has been a cornerstone of international relations for decades, with the US formally recognising the PRC as the sole legal government of China in 1979 under president Jimmy Carter.

Ramaphosa’s reaffirmation of this policy was not merely a diplomatic formality; it was a reaffirmation of the deep trust and mutual respect that underpins the China-South Africa relationship. He went on to highlight the common objectives shared by both nations, underscoring the strategic alignment between China and South Africa.

“Our countries share many common objectives,” Ramaphosa noted, pointing to a relationship that is as much about shared values and vision as it is about economic and diplomatic ties.

President Xi Jinping, in his response, was equally effusive in his praise of the bilateral relationship. Xi underscored China’s commitment to deepening its ties with South Africa, describing the partnership as a “model of South-South co-operation”. He highlighted the historical solidarity between the two nations, dating back to South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle when China stood as a staunch supporter of the ANC.

“China and South Africa are good brothers and partners who have shared wealth and woe,” Xi remarked, emphasising that the friendship between the two nations has stood the test of time and continues to grow stronger.

Economically, the relationship between South Africa and China has flourished, with China being South Africa’s largest trading partner for over a decade.

The trade between the two nations has not only been robust but has also been characterised by a growing balance, with South Africa exporting more value-added products to China, a shift from the historical pattern of exporting raw materials.

Ramaphosa seized this opportunity to advocate for even greater economic collaboration. He urged Xi to support initiatives that would bolster manufacturing and job creation in South Africa, as South Africa grapples with high unemployment rates and the need for industrial expansion.

Ramaphosa also urged that the two nations continue to work together to create jobs and drive industrial growth, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in the broader context of Africa’s development.

Xi has always affirmed China’s commitment to not just sustaining, but also enhancing its economic ties with South Africa. He acknowledged the importance of creating jobs and fostering industrial growth in South Africa, noting that these efforts are integral to the broader China-Africa partnership.

“China is ready to work with South Africa to deepen co-operation in key areas such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and green development,” Xi said, pointing to the potential for new areas of collaboration that would bring tangible benefits to both nations.

For the Focac summit, there is a palpable sense of anticipation. The summit is expected to be a milestone in the China-Africa relationship, with discussions likely to focus on deepening economic ties, enhancing security co-operation, and promoting sustainable development across the African continent.

For South Africa, this is a moment of opportunity – a chance to further strengthen its strategic partnership with China and to play a leading role in shaping the future of China-Africa relations.

Ramaphosa’s visit, coupled with his participation in the Focac summit, is not just about diplomatic protocol; it is about charting a course for a shared future. A future where South Africa and China, as well as the broader African continent, can work together to achieve common goals.

This visit, and the discussions that will unfold in the coming days, are set to leave an indelible mark on the trajectory of China-South Africa relations, bringing new opportunities for growth, development, and mutual prosperity.

Sikho Matiwane is a seasoned entrepreneur and the founder and Director of Matiwane Diplomatic Consulting. He also serves as the Chairperson of Global South Affairs. As a diplomatic commentator, he specialises in International Relations and Geopolitics.

The Mercury