China, South Africa Commit to Stronger Collaboration
During a Saturday telephone discussion, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and South African counterpart Ronald Lamola outlined plans to enhance bilateral relations. Beijing announced its commitment to expanding high-level diplomatic engagement, reinforcing strategic confidence, and widening practical partnerships with the African nation, stating its objective is "to promote the implementation of China's zero tariff measures for Africa in South Africa, help South Africa's economic development, and benefit the local people."
Wang informed Lamola that China backs South Africa's participation in global governance and stands ready to collaborate with it alongside other developing countries "to uphold the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations." Beijing also offered congratulations to the African National Congress on reaching its 114th milestone and commended Pretoria for proceeding with the 2025 G20 Summit amid international pushback.
The two nations committed to jointly advancing the China-Africa Cultural Exchange Year to cultivate stronger grassroots backing for ties between China, South Africa, and the broader African continent.
Lamola expressed appreciation for Wang's African tour this month and confirmed his administration's intention to strengthen "political mutual trust with China, deepen pragmatic cooperation, and expand cultural exchanges, close multilateral cooperation, and promote the continuous development of the all-round strategic partnership between South China and China in the new era."
The diplomatic coordination emerges as South Africa pursues trade diversification away from American markets. Relations between Pretoria and Washington have deteriorated sharply since President Donald Trump assumed office last January. His administration has adopted an aggressive posture toward South Africa, implementing elevated tariffs targeting Pretoria's internal and international positions while accusing the African government of facilitating "genocide" against its white minority population.
The US boycotted a recent G20 gathering convened by South Africa and has announced the African nation will be excluded from next year's summit in Miami.
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