Category: International relations

Chinese President Xi Jinping continued his bilateral meetings with African leaders who came to Beijing to attend the summit meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) on September 3.

In the morning he met with Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) Moussa Faki Mahamat. 

Xi Jinping pointed out that the African Union (AU) is a banner for Africa to seek strength through unity and an important platform for conducting international cooperation. In recent years, China and the AU have continued to deepen political mutual trust and maintained close coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs. He added that he is glad to see that the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, aided by China for the AU, have been established and put into operation, contributing to African people’s health and well-being.

Xi stressed that the current transformations of the world unseen in a century are unfolding at a faster pace. The Global South, including China and Africa, is growing stronger, injecting stability and positive energy into world peace and development. Africa is an important pole in the world and an important priority in China’s diplomacy. China is ready to enhance political exchanges with Africa, deepen strategic mutual trust, strengthen practical cooperation, share development experience and promote common development. He called on the two sides to strengthen solidarity and coordination, firmly support each other, advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation, and jointly safeguard international fairness and justice and the common interests of developing countries.

Moussa Faki Mahamat said that for more than half a century, China has been firmly supporting Africa’s struggle against colonialism, imperialism and racial discrimination, providing valuable assistance to African countries in various fields such as infrastructure, health, energy, industry and security, and taking the lead in supporting the AU’s accession to the G20, which the African side highly appreciates and sincerely thanks. For this reason, the African side firmly pursues the one-China policy and firmly supports China in safeguarding its core interests. The African side expects China to continue playing a key leading role and make greater contributions to helping Africa achieve modernisation as well as for world peace and development.

Xi Jinping also met with Malawi President President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera.

He said that China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Malawi in agriculture, telecommunications, infrastructure and other fields, and to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in Malawi. The two sides should make good use of the Confucius Institute at the University of Malawi to promote cultural exchanges and forge closer bonds between their peoples.

Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera said that every time he comes to China, it feels like coming home. He thanked the Chinese side for the warm and friendly reception. Malawi regards China as its most sincere friend.  Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, the Communist Party of China (CPC) has lifted hundreds of millions of Chinese people out of poverty. The Belt and Road Initiative and other major initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping have provided important opportunities for all countries to achieve common development and prosperity. Malawi also supports strengthening FOCAC’s institutional development and looks forward to taking this summit as an opportunity to further promote Belt and Road cooperation, strengthen regional connectivity and deepen friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation between Malawi and China.

Meeting with President of Chad Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, Xi Jinping said that China has been Chad’s largest trading partner and investment partner for many years in a row, and bilateral practical cooperation has improved the well-being of the two peoples. China is ready to work with Chad to uphold the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, strengthen the synergy of development strategies, and push for new progress in China-Chad relations.

Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno said that under the wise leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has witnessed rapid development and increasingly rising international standing. Chad admires China’s development achievements, appreciates a series of major ideas and initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping, and is happy to see China’s continued development and growth. He believes that China’s sustained development will bring more opportunities for the development of Chad, Africa and the world, which is crucial to leading the transformations of the world unseen in a century.

The Chinese President also met with Kenyan President William Ruto. 

Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Kenya have a time-honoured friendship that developed in their struggles for national liberation and deepened on their journey toward national rejuvenation. 

Ruto said that the two sides have successfully implemented major infrastructure construction cooperation projects such as the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, which has strongly promoted Kenya’s economic and social development and become a new symbol for Kenya-China friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation. 

In the afternoon, Xi Jinping met with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was also paying a state visit to China.  

Xi Jinping pointed out that Nigeria is a major and highly influential African country with a large population and great development potential. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations more than half a century ago, China and Nigeria have always respected each other and treated each other as equals and forged a path of self-strength through unity and win-win cooperation. The two countries need to seek greater synergy of development strategies, form a new pattern of practical cooperation featuring complementarity and mutual benefit, promote the interconnected and integrated development of infrastructure, energy and minerals with industries, and create new growth areas for cooperation such as the digital economy and new energy.

He added that FOCAC is not only an effective mechanism for promoting practical cooperation between China and Africa, but also a banner for South-South cooperation. China is ready to take the FOCAC Beijing Summit as an opportunity to review the historical experience of China-Africa friendship, promote the building of a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future, and inject new momentum into the development of China-Africa relations in the new era.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu said that Nigeria hopes to become China’s largest trade and investment partner in Africa and welcomes more Chinese companies to invest in the country, expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing, minerals, energy, infrastructure and other fields, helping Nigeria and West Africa advance modernisation efforts and effectively eradicating poverty. He thanked the Chinese side for providing important training opportunities for Nigerian youth and expressed willingness to deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges with the Chinese side.

The two countries issued a Joint Statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Establishing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Building a High-level China-Nigeria Community with a Shared Future. The full text may be read here. 

President Xi also met in the afternoon with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa. We already reported the details of that meeting here. 

In the evening, President Xi met with Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani. 

Xi Jinping stressed that China and Mauritania are good friends and close brothers who trust and help each other. China is ready to work with Mauritania to promote Belt and Road cooperation, deepen cooperation in fisheries, infrastructure and other fields, leverage the role of the agricultural and animal husbandry technology demonstration centre in aiding Mauritania and build China-Mauritania relations into a model of friendly exchanges and win-win cooperation between countries.

The Chinese leader appreciated Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani’s active contributions, as rotating chair of the African Union, to the preparations for the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and expressed China’s willingness to work closely with Mauritania to take the summit as an opportunity to pool the strength of the Chinese and African people, build a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future, increase the voice and representation of the Global South countries in global governance, and jointly uphold international fairness and justice.

Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani said, the friendship between Mauritania and China is solid and profound, and the Mauritanian side is deeply proud of its friendly relations with China. He thanked China for its valuable support for Mauritania’s economic and social development, including the country’s fight against COVID-19. 

He added that at present, the world is facing many risks and challenges, and deepening cooperation with China is the hope of Mauritania and other countries to achieve sustainable development. Mauritania and China hold highly identical positions on Palestine and other major issues. Both sides firmly oppose interference in other countries’ internal affairs, call for respect for the independence of all countries, and reject violent extremism.

On September 2, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with a number of African heads of state who were in Beijing to attend the summit meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Meeting with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Xi Jinping pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic relations more than 30 years ago, China and Eritrea have always trusted and supported each other firmly. President Isaias Afwerki paid a state visit to China in May last year, during which positive progress was made in the important common understandings between the two heads of state. China appreciates Eritrea’s adherence to an independent foreign policy, its efforts to firmly safeguard national sovereignty and dignity, and its strategic and long-term perspective for viewing China-Eritrea relations. He stressed that China and Eritrea should be good brothers having a heart-to-heart affinity, good partners for mutual benefit and win-win results, and good friends for safeguarding fairness and justice.

Noting that he first visited China 57 years ago [when he was one of a number of young Eritrean freedom fighters invited to receive military and political training in China], Isaias Afwerki said that over the past half century and more, he has witnessed firsthand China’s great development achievements and transformative changes. China plays an important role in the world and has increasingly become a key force leading global governance reform. The Eritrea-China relationship is characterised by a long history, solid friendship, sound cooperation, and common understanding on many issues. Its cooperation with China is helping and will continue to help African countries achieve greater development, resist colonialism and hegemonism, and gain equality and dignity in the international community. Eritrea stays committed to the one-China policy and hopes to deepen cooperation with China in such fields as energy, infrastructure and maritime affairs. 

President Afwerki also met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang the next day.

Li Qiang pointed out that under the framework of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, China is ready to work with Eritrea to further expand trade exchanges, deepen cooperation in areas such as mining, agriculture, infrastructure and education, tap into the potential of cooperation in clean energy, blue economy and other areas, and create new growth drivers for bilateral cooperation.

Isaias Afwerki said that under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has achieved remarkable development achievements, playing an exemplary role in maintaining world peace and stability and supporting Africa’s development and revitalisation, which Eritrea highly appreciates.  Eritrea is ready to take the opportunity of deepening the strategic partnership with China to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as infrastructure construction, mining and agriculture, with a view to elevate Eritrea-China and Africa-China relations to higher levels in the new era, work together to tackle global challenges, jointly oppose hegemonism, and make greater contributions to human development and progress as well as international fairness and justice.

Meeting with Malian President Colonel Assimi Goïta, the two heads of state announced the elevation of the China-Mali relationship to a strategic partnership. Xi Jinping pointed out that the China-Mali friendship was personally forged by the elder generation of leaders of the two countries. Sixty years ago, the two sides issued a joint communique, which for the first time included China’s eight principles in foreign aid, advocating respect for national sovereignty, development of an independent economy and non-interference in internal affairs. These principles not only serve as a guide for the long-term friendly cooperation between China and Mali, but also set the tone for China-Africa cooperation in promoting the establishment of a new international order. [Mali, under the leadership of socialist President Modibo Keïta, established diplomatic relations with China on October 25 1960, shortly after winning independence from French colonial rule on September 22 that year. The Eight Principles to govern China’s foreign economic and technical assistance were put forward by Premier Zhou Enlai in Mali in early 1964 during his December 1963-February 1964 visit to 10 African countries. They are: 

China always bases itself on the principle of equality and mutual benefit in providing aid to other nations.

China never attaches any conditions or asks for any privileges.

China helps lighten the burden of recipient countries as much as possible.

China aims at helping recipient countries to gradually achieve self-reliance and independent development.

China strives to develop aid projects that require less investment but yield quicker results.

China provides the best-quality equipment and materials of its own manufacture.

In providing technical assistance, China shall see to it that the personnel of the recipient country fully master such techniques.

The Chinese experts are not allowed to make any special demands or enjoy any special amenities.]

Colonel Assimi Goïta said that the people of Mali and China enjoy a brotherly friendship and bilateral cooperation is sincere and pragmatic. He thanked China for providing various and valuable assistance to Mali’s economic and social development. Mali hopes to further consolidate the friendship with China, elevate the strategic partnership, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in agriculture, energy, mining, security and other areas. Both Mali and China respect national sovereignty and independence and oppose interference in other countries’ internal affairs. Mali appreciates China’s efforts and contributions to promote regional and world peace and development and looks forward to closer multilateral cooperation with China.

Continue reading Xi meets with heads of state from Eritrea, Mali, DRC, Comoros, Djibouti, Seychelles and Guinea

Chinese President Xi Jinping held numerous bilateral meetings with African leaders around the recent Beijing summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), with a number of African presidents simultaneously paying a state visit to China.

On the afternoon of September 3, the Chinese leader held an important meeting with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was in China for the summit and to pay a state visit from August 29-September 6.

Noting the profound traditional friendship between China and Zimbabwe, Xi Jinping said that in recent years, under their joint guidance, the two countries have continued to deepen political mutual trust and achieved remarkable results in cooperation, setting a good example of solidarity and coordination among developing countries. Next year will mark the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. [China and Zimbabwe established diplomatic relations on April 18, 1980, the very day that Zimbabwe won its independence following an armed liberation struggle which was consistently and strongly supported by China. Emmerson Mnangagwa himself was one of many Zimbabwean freedom fighters who received military and political training in China.]  Further consolidating and deepening the ironclad friendship between China and Zimbabwe meets the common expectations of the two peoples. The two sides should uphold the original aspiration of friendship, establish a “five-star ironclad” cooperation framework underpinned by politics, economy and trade, security, culture, and international cooperation, and work together to build a high-level China-Zimbabwe community with a shared future.

Xi Jinping stressed that the two countries and the two parties, the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) share similar views [CGTN reported this as similarity in philosophy] and solid mutual trust, which is the greatest strength of China-Zimbabwe relations. China supports Zimbabwe in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests, and opposes external interference and illegal sanctions.  [During the liberation war, or Chimurenga, ZANU, as the party was then known, declared its adherence to Marxism-Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought. Today, it advocates Socialism with Zimbabwean Characteristics.]

Emmerson Mnangagwa said that during this visit to China, he visited Hunan, Shenzhen and Nanjing, and he was greatly encouraged and inspired. Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has made great achievements in development, and many Chinese technologies and companies are taking the lead in the world. He thanked China for its valuable support for Zimbabwe’s economic and social development, including the fight against COVID-19. China’s help and cooperation have benefited the Zimbabwean people and created new bonds of Zimbabwe-China friendship in the new era. The Zimbabwean side is ready to strengthen experience exchange with China on state governance and party administration, deepen cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, minerals, new energy and other fields, and so help Zimbabwe’s modernisation process. The Zimbabwean side thanks China for speaking out for Zimbabwe on international occasions, appreciates China’s constructive role in international and regional affairs such as in the Ukraine crisis and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, supports a series of global initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping, and is willing to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China. Zimbabwe firmly abides by the one-China principle and is willing to continue to be a staunch and close friend of China in Southern Africa.

The two sides issued a Joint Statement Between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Zimbabwe on Deepening and Enhancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation and Building a High-Level China-Zimbabwe Community with a Shared Future.

President Mnangagwa also held a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on the same day.

Continue reading Mnangagwa: Zimbabwe and China enjoy brotherly friendship

China has again made clear its support for Africa to be given effective representation in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). 

Speaking at the UNSC open debate on this topic and on addressing the historical injustice experienced by Africa, on August 12, Ambassador Fu Cong noted that the world today is undergoing major changes unseen in a century, with the rise of the Global South and the unstoppable trend of multipolarity. African countries, he said, have become a vibrant force on the global political stage, a rising player in the global economy, a core member of the Global South, an important pole in the multipolar world, and a key participant in global governance. 

Nevertheless, he said, “we regret to see that the African continent is still facing many challenges to peace and development, that African countries have not yet gained the international respect they deserve, that expectations of African people have not received sufficient attention, and that Africa’s international influence has not been on full display.”

Putting this into its correct historical context, the Chinese Ambassador noted that, the historical injustice endured by Africa is a huge moral scar on humanity and a heavy issue that the international community must face today. Historically, Western countries have imposed hundreds of years of brutal colonial rule and blatant racial discrimination on Africa. They carried out the inhumane slave trade and plundered resources, depriving the African people of the natural rights and the dignity they deserve, artificially interrupting the historical process of Africa’s development, and plunging African countries into a long period of suffering and disaster. This is the root cause of all historical injustice in Africa. Even to this day, some Western countries still cling to the colonialist mindset with a self-righteous attitude on African issues. They interfere in the internal affairs of African countries by using financial, legal, sanction-based, and even military means, and exercise unscrupulous oppression and control over African countries in the areas of currency, energy, minerals, and national defence. To rectify the historical injustice against Africa, we must, first and foremost, unequivocally oppose the legacy of colonialism and all kinds of hegemonic practices. Western countries should truly shoulder their historical responsibilities, change course, stop such wrong practices as external interference and exerting pressure through sanctions, and return the future of Africa to the hands of the African people. 

Security Council reform, he continued, is an important part of the reform of the multilateral governance architecture. Based on the common interests of the entire continent, Africa has formed a common position through the Ezulwini Consensus, which reflects the justice and legitimacy of Africa’s demand for reform and enjoys a unique moral advantage. This is fundamentally different from the practice of a few countries and interest groups who pursue their own selfish and small-circle interests when it comes to Council reform. [This may be understood to refer, in particular, to the persistent attempts by a handful of countries, principally Japan, to secure permanent UNSC membership.] African countries’ appeal to be treated as a special case and priority deserves the attention and support of the international community. China has taken the lead in its favourable response and explicit support for this request. 

The following article was originally published on the website of China’s Permanent Mission to the UN.

President, 

China welcomes President Julius Maada Bio presiding over today’s meeting, and thanks Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres, President Dennis Francis, and Ms. Sithembile Mbete for their briefings. 

The world today is undergoing major changes unseen in a century, with the rise of the Global South and the unstoppable trend of multipolarity. As the youngest continent, Africa has made decades of unremitting efforts to pursue unity and progress, to maintain multilateralism, and defend the common interests of developing countries. It has demonstrated an active African image and a strong African power. African countries have become a vibrant force on the global political stage, a rising player in the global economy, a core member of the Global South, an important polar in the multipolar world, and a key participant in global governance. 

At the same time, we regret to see that the African continent is still facing many challenges to peace and development, that African countries have not yet gained the international respect they deserve, that expectations of African people have not received sufficient attention, and that Africa’s international influence has not been on full display. China hopes that through today’s discussion, all parties will gain a more comprehensive insight into the historical injustice against Africa, see the hope for its future, and work together with African countries and their people to promote an equitable and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization. I wish to share the following three points.

First, the historical injustice endured by Africa is a huge moral scar on humanity and a heavy issue that the international community must face today. Historically, Western countries have imposed hundreds of years of brutal colonial rule and blatant racial discrimination on Africa. They carried out the inhumane slave trade and plundered resources, depriving the African people of the natural rights and the dignity they deserve, artificially interrupting the historical process of Africa’s development, and plunging African countries into a long period of suffering and disaster. This is the root cause of all historical injustice in Africa. Even to this day, some Western countries still cling to the colonialist mindset with a self-righteous attitude on African issues. They interfere in the internal affairs of African countries by using financial, legal, sanction-based, and even military means, and exercise unscrupulous oppression and control over African countries in the areas of currency, energy, minerals, and national defense. To rectify the historical injustice against Africa, we must, first and foremost, unequivocally oppose the legacy of colonialism and all kinds of hegemonic practices. Western countries should truly shoulder their historical responsibilities, change course, stop such wrong practices as external interference and exerting pressure through sanctions, and return the future of Africa to the hands of the African people. 

Second, the redress of historical injustice against Africa must be both holistic and focused. It is important to recognize that the injustice is systemic and structural in nature, involving various political, economic, scientific, and technological areas, and manifests itself in various aspects of rights, opportunities, and rules. This is an undeniable fact and an issue of great urgency. China believes that the primary task is to support African countries on the path of sustainable development as the foundation of lasting peace. When we look at the hot spot issues in Africa on the Council’s agenda, poverty and under-development are often common denominators. The international community should implement the UN 2030 Agenda together with AU Agenda 2063, and support Africa in its industrialization and modernization and its better participation in the international division of labor, so that it can share the dividends of economic globalization and break the vicious cycle of poverty and instability. 

Third, to rectify the historical injustice against Africa, the fundamental task is to accelerate the overhaul of the multilateral governance architecture and to enhance Africa’s representation and voice. Security Council reforms is an important part of the reform of the multilateral governance architecture. Based on the common interests of the entire continent, Africa has formed a common position through the Ezulwini Consensus, which reflects the justice and legitimacy of Africa’s demand for reform and enjoys a unique moral advantage. This is fundamentally different from the practice of a few countries and interest groups who pursue their own selfish and small-circle interests when it comes to Council reform. African countries’ appeal to be treated as a special case and priority deserves the attention and support of the international community. China has taken the lead in its favorable response and explicit support for this request. We are pleased to note that such a request has been included in Security Council reform-related text in the Pact for the Future and the IGN co-chairs elements paper, and that Africa’s demand is gaining greater understanding, recognition, and support. 

The reform of the financial architecture is another important area of multilateral governance reform. The current international financial system is unfavorable to developing countries in terms of investment and financing, credit ratings, and economic and technical assistance. It imposes many additional conditions which severely hamper the development and revitalization of African countries. The irresponsible monetary policies of some major economies have had serious spillover effects, repeatedly reaping the hard-won development gains of developing countries. Such a system is unsustainable and must be reformed and improved as soon as possible. Secretary-General Guterres and the Global South have made a strong appeal to the international community to take the Pact of the Future as an opportunity to launch truly ambitious initiatives and push for substantial steps of reform. 

President, 

China and Africa are good friends, good partners, and good brothers who are sincere and friendly based on mutual assistance and joint development. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, we have been firmly supportive of African countries’ just struggle for independence and national liberation and a development path for Africa in line with its conditions. Since the reform and opening-up of China, we have vigorously promoted mutually beneficial cooperation. In recent years, we have upheld President Xi Jinping’s principle of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith and the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests in our cooperation with Africa, and have faster tracked the building of the China-Africa community with a shared future. Under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, we have carried out all-round, multifaceted cooperation in infrastructure, trade, energy, health, digital economy, people and cultural exchanges, and other areas, benefiting the entire African continent. Early next month, the Forum will hold its summit in Beijing. China is ready to work with Africa based on our friendship and cooperation to jointly build a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future China is also willing to work with international partners to sincerely help Africa develop and revitalize itself, support Africa with concrete actions to address historical injustice, promote a more just and rational new international political and economic order, abd truly enhance Africa’s representation, voice, and decision-making in the multilateral governance system. 

Thank you, President.

Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC), led a party delegation to South Africa at the end of July and the beginning of August. It was the first stop on a tour of a number of countries in Africa and Latin America.

On August 1, Minister Liu met with Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa and of the Republic of South Africa.  Welcoming Liu and his delegation, Ramaphosa said that the CPC delegation’s visit to South Africa at this time (following the recent election and the formation of a government of national unity) demonstrates the Chinese side’s firm support for the ANC and South Africa. He said that he maintains close exchanges with President Xi Jinping and has forged a close friendship, of which he is proud. President Xi Jinping has visited South Africa many times, promoting bilateral relations for continuous improvement and upgrading, which has deeply moved and inspired the South African side. The South African government will keep its policies toward China unchanged and will continue to be committed to promoting the development of a comprehensive strategic partnership. South Africa firmly adheres to the one-China principle and thanks the Chinese side for its long-term valuable support and assistance.

Ramaphosa added that the leadership of the CPC is what has allowed China to realise today’s development achievements and the CPC’s achievements have also inspired the ANC. Since its establishment, the ANC has been fighting for South Africa’s national independence and development. Despite setbacks, it will not give up easily, nor will it shirk its responsibility to lead the country’s development and revitalisation. Calling the CPC a reliable friend and close comrade of the ANC, he said the ANC cherishes its sincere friendship with the CPC. 

Liu said, the Chinese side congratulates the ANC on its victory in the general election again and President Cyril Ramaphosa on his successful re-election. He voiced confidence that under the strong leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC, the government of national unity will closely unite the people and help South Africa make new development achievements. (In the election, the ANC secured 40.2% of the vote, almost twice that of its nearest rival – and now coalition partner – the Democratic Alliance [DA], which secured 21.8%.) 

China and South Africa, Liu continued, are both important members of the Global South and emerging economies. The Chinese side is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with South Africa on multilateral affairs, promote the construction of a more just and reasonable international political and economic order, and safeguard the common interests of the vast number of developing countries.

He added that the CPC and the ANC have a long-standing friendship. The Chinese side firmly believes that as a mature political party that has stood the test of the changing circumstances, the ANC will carry forward its fine traditions, firmly grasp the correct development direction of South Africa, and promote China-South Africa relations for robust development.

The previous day, Liu had met with ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula. Liu said, the Chinese side congratulates the ANC on its leadership in forming a government of national unity, which proves that the ANC is a mature century-old party with political wisdom and believes that the ANC will unite and lead the South African people to achieve new achievements in national development.

On August 1, he met with Ronald Lamola, Member of the National Executive Committee of the ANC and South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. Lamola said that South Africa is grateful to the Chinese side for providing valuable support in its struggle for national independence and construction. He expressed the hope to expand mutually beneficial cooperation with the Chinese side in areas such as trade and investment. He added that the the foreign policy of the new South African government will not change, and that South Africa will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China principle and steadfastly support China’s positions on issues concerning its core interests. South Africa highly appreciates China’s significant role in promoting the improvement of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran as well as facilitating the reconciliation of Palestinian factions. He expressed the hope to strengthen coordination with the Chinese side within the BRICS cooperation mechanism and the G-20. South Africa looks forward to participating in the 2024 FOCAC (Forum on China Africa Cooperation) Summit in Beijing, this coming September, believing that it will help African countries advance the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and promote greater development in Africa-China relations.

On July 31, Liu met with Solly Afrika Mapaila, General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP). He congratulated the SACP on its 103rd anniversary, which fell in February. He said that the CPC and the SACP are both Marxist parties, share the same ideals and beliefs, always understand and support each other, and are time-tested good comrades and good brothers.

Mapaila said, the SACP cherishes its friendly relations with the CPC, and thanks the Chinese side for its long-term valuable assistance to South Africa’s economic and social development and the improvement of people’s livelihood, as well as its strong support for the SACP, the African National Congress and other progressive forces in South Africa.

On August 3, Liu also met with the parliamentary leaders of some of the political parties which are participating in the new government of national unity.  He met with Mzwanele Nyhontso, President of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) of Azania and Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development; Mogamad Ganief Ebrahim Hendricks, President of the Al Jama-ah and Deputy Minister of Social Development; Brett Herron, Secretary-General of the GOOD Party; and Thandi Nontenja, National Treasurer of the United Democratic Movement (UDM).

Liu said, China and South Africa enjoy a time-honoured friendship. As early as in the struggle against imperialism, colonialism and racism, the two peoples have supported each other and forged a profound friendship. 

The South African party leaders thanked the Chinese side for its long-term and valuable support to the economic and social development of South Africa and expressed their hope to strengthen exchanges with the CPC and learn from its experience in party building and state governance in order to facilitate South Africa’s development and advance South Africa-China relations. 

For their part, Nyhontso said, the PAC has a long history of interacting with China, with many of its leaders and members having trained in China. He hoped to learn from China’s experience in areas such as land reform and rural development to help South Africa solve its prominent problems. [China consistently supported the PAC as one of the country’s national liberation movements during the struggle against apartheid, maintaining a close relationship for a long time.]

Hendricks fondly recalled his experience of interacting with the Chinese side and appreciated China’s great achievements in poverty alleviation. Calling the strong leadership of the CPC the key to China’s success, he said he would like to learn from the Chinese side’s experience.

Herron said, South Africa can benefit from China’s rapid economic and social development and hoped that the two countries will strengthen practical cooperation in various fields, closely coordinate and cooperate in BRICS and other multilateral mechanisms and promote a more just and equitable international order.

Nontenja said, as South Africa is undergoing special changes in its political landscape, the UDM is willing to play a role in the country’s development and hopes to strengthen exchanges with the CPC on national and party construction.  

On August 2, Liu and his delegation also held discussions with representatives from South Africa’s media and think tanks.

Following its visit to South Africa, the CPC delegation proceeded to Uruguay.

The following articles were originally published on the website of the IDCPC.

Cyril Ramaphosa, President of ANC and President of South Africa Meets with Liu Jianchao

Johannesburg, August 1st (IDCPC) — Cyril Ramaphosa, President of African National Congress (ANC) and President of South Africa, met here today with Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee.

Ramaphosa welcomed Liu and the CPC delegation. He said, the CPC delegation’s visit to South Africa, which is experiencing a special moment now, demonstrates the Chinese side’s firm support for the ANC and South Africa. I maintain close exchanges with President Xi Jinping and have forged a close friendship, which I am proud of. President Xi Jinping has visited South Africa many times, promoting bilateral relations for continuous improvement and upgrading, which has deeply moved and inspired the South African side. The South African government will keep its policies toward China unchanged, and will continue to be committed to promoting the development of a comprehensive strategic partnership between South Africa and China. South Africa firmly adheres to the one-China principle and thanks the Chinese side for its long-term valuable support and assistance. 

Ramaphosa said, the leadership of the CPC is what allowed China to realize today’s development achievements, and the CPC’s achievements have also inspired the ANC. Since its establishment, the ANC has been fighting for South Africa’s national independence and development. Despite setbacks, it will not give up easily, nor will it shirk its responsibility to lead the country’s development and revitalization. Calling the CPC a reliable friend and close comrade of the ANC, he said the ANC cherishes its sincere friendship with the CPC and hopes to further strengthen exchanges between the two Parties at all levels and strengthen experience exchanges in national construction and party building.

Liu said, the Chinese side congratulates the ANC on its victory in the general election again and President Cyril Ramaphosa on his successful re-election. Liu voiced confidence that under the strong leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC, the government of national unity will closely unite the people and help South Africa make new development achievements. In August last year, President Xi Jinping successfully visited South Africa and reached important consensus with President Cyril Ramaphosa, charting the course for the further development of relations between the two countries. The Chinese side is willing to work with the South African side to implement the consensus reached by the top leaders of the two Parties and countries, deepen political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation in various fields, firmly support each other on issues involving each other’s core interests, and promote China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership for new and greater development. China and South Africa are both important members of the Global South and emerging economies. The Chinese side is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with South Africa on multilateral affairs, promote the construction of a more just and reasonable international political and economic order, and safeguard the common interests of the vast number of developing countries. 

Liu said, the CPC and the ANC have a long-standing friendship. The Chinese side firmly believes that as a mature political party that has stood the test of the changing circumstances, the ANC will carry forward its fine traditions, firmly grasp the correct development direction of South Africa, and promote China-South Africa relations for robust development. The Chinese side is willing to strengthen institutionalized exchanges with the ANC as always, deepen exchanges and mutual learning of experience in party building and state governance, enhance its own governing capacity, and promote China-South Africa relations to a new level.

---

Liu Jianchao Meets with Fikile Mbalula, Secretary-General of African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa

Pretoria, July 31st (IDCPC) — Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Fikile Mbalula, Secretary-General of African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa.

Liu said, the Chinese side congratulates the ANC on its leadership in forming a government of national unity, which proves that the ANC is a mature century-old party with political wisdom, and believes that the ANC will unite and lead the South African people to achieve new achievements in national development. Under the new circumstances, the CPC is willing to work with the ANC to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two Parties and two countries, maintain high-level strategic communication and political mutual trust, continue to firmly support each other on issues involving respective core interests, deepen exchanges and mutual learning of experience in state governance and administration, and bring China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level. The Chinese side is willing to, together with the South African side, strengthen coordination and cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the BRICS cooperation mechanism and the Group of 20, promote common development of the Global South countries, and jointly safeguard international fairness and justice. 

Mbalula said, the ANC and the CPC have a long-standing friendship, and the relationship between the two Parties is an important foundation for the relationship between South Africa and China. The ANC congratulated the CPC on the successful holding of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. Mbalula introduced relevant situation of the South African general election of 2024, and said that the ANC will hold a National Executive Committee meeting to thoroughly summarize the experience and lessons. Calling China a reliable friend of South Africa, the ANC thanks the Chinese side for the long-term valuable support and assistance to South Africa. The South African government’s long-term commitment to the one-China principle will not change, and its friendly policy toward China will not change. Under the new situation, the ANC is willing to continue to strengthen high-level exchanges with the CPC, and learn experience in governing the Party and the country from the CPC, so as to overcome the current challenges, achieve self-reform, and lead the country to develop better. 

Lindiwe Zulu, Member of the ANC National Executive Committee, Nokuthula Nqaba, Secretary General of ANC Women’s League and others, were present.

---

Liu Jianchao Meets with Ronald Lamola, Member of the ANC’s National Executive Committee, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Pretoria, August 1st (IDCPC) — Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Ronald Lamola, Member of the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress (ANC) and South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.

Liu stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa have provided important strategic guidance for the development of bilateral relations, ushering in a “golden era” of building a high-level China-South Africa community with a shared future. The Chinese side is willing to work with the South African side to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state. Focusing on the implementation of the “Nine Programs” of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the 10 Years Strategic Programme on Cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa (2020-2029), both sides need to strengthen the deep alignment of development strategies, consolidate cooperation in advantageous areas, cultivate new growth drivers for cooperation, achieve mutual benefits, win-win results and common development, and continuously benefit the people of both countries. 

Liu said, both China and South Africa are influential developing countries and emerging market nations. The Chinese side supports the South African side in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs and is willing to continue to work with the South African side under multilateral mechanisms such as the BRICS cooperation mechanism and the Group of 20, practice true multilateralism, strengthen the Global South countries’ representation and voice in the global governance system, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries. The new meeting of the FOCAC will be held in Beijing. The Chinese side is willing to work with African countries, including South Africa, to achieve more win-win outcomes in China-Africa cooperation.

Lamola stated, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s successful visit to South Africa last year injected strong impetus into the future development of bilateral relations. South Africa is grateful to the Chinese side for providing valuable support in its struggle for national independence and construction. He expressed the hope to expand mutually beneficial cooperation with the Chinese side in areas such as trade and investment. The South African side also hoped that the Chinese side can help it address prominent issues in its development process, advance industrialization, and promote the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between South Africa and China. He said the foreign policy of the new South African government will not change and that South Africa will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China principle, steadfastly support China’s positions on issues concerning China’s core interests related to the Taiwan question, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Xizang. South Africa highly appreciates China’s significant role in promoting the improvement of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and facilitating the reconciliation of Palestinian factions. He expressed the hope to strengthen coordination with the Chinese side within BRICS and the Group of 20. South Africa looks forward to participating in the 2024 FOCAC Summit in Beijing, believing that the summit will help African countries advance the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and promote greater development in Africa-China relations. 

Both sides exchanged views on international and regional issues such as the Ukraine crisis and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

---

Liu Jianchao Meets with Solly Afrika Mapaila, General Secretary of the South African Communist Party

Pretoria, July 31st (IDCPC) — Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Solly Afrika Mapaila, General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP).

Liu congratulated the SACP on its 103rd anniversary. He said that the CPC and the SACP are both Marxist parties, share the same ideals and beliefs, always understand and support each other, and are time-tested good comrades and good brothers. Under the new situation, the CPC is willing to work with the SACP to implement the important consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and President Cyril Ramaphosa, continue to deepen strategic communication, strengthen experience exchanges on issues such as party building, promote practical cooperation in various fields, better promote the construction of respective countries, and bring more benefits to the people of the two countries. 

Mapaila said, the SACP cherishes its friendly relations with the CPC, and thanks the Chinese side for its long-term valuable assistance to South Africa’s economic, social development and improvement of people’s livelihood, as well as the strong support for the SACP, the African National Congress and other progressive forces in South Africa. Under the new situation of the formation of a government of national unity in South Africa, the SACP hopes to strengthen exchanges with the CPC, deepen experience exchanges in state governance and administration, and promote South Africa-China relations for greater development. Mapaila also introduced the situation of the South African general election of 2024 and the current political situation in conjunction with the process of South Africa’s national democratic revolution. 

Joyce Moloi-Moropa, SACP National Treasurer, Cde Thulas Nxesi, SACP Deputy National Chairperson, Jenny Schreiner, Member of SACP Political Bureau and others, were present.

---

Liu Jianchao Meets with Party Leaders in the National Assembly of South Africa

Cape Town, August 3rd (IDCPC) — Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with the leaders of some parties in the National Assembly of South Africa. Mzwanele Nyhontso, President of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) of Azania and Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mogamad Ganief Ebrahim Hendricks, President of the Al Jama-ah and Deputy Minister of Social Development, Brett Herron, Secretary-General of the GOOD Party, and Thandi Nontenja, National Treasurer of the United Democratic Movement (UDM), attended the meeting.

Liu said, China and South Africa enjoy a time-honored friendship. As early as in the struggle against imperialism, colonialism and racism, the two peoples have supported each other and forged a profound friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 26 years ago, the two sides have upheld sincerity and friendship with bilateral relations continuously reaching new heights. Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Cyril Ramaphosa, China-South Africa relations have entered a “golden era”. The Chinese side is willing to work with the South African side to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, firmly support each other on issues that bear on our respective core interests and are of major concern to us, expand practical cooperation in various fields, and continuously enrich the connotation of the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership.  

Liu said, relations between political parties are a vital part of state-to-state relations. The CPC is willing to strengthen communication and exchanges with the political parties in the National Assembly of South Africa, exchange views on important issues of common concern, enhance mutual understanding, further gather the forces of China-South Africa friendship, and push China-South Africa relations to a new height to bring more benefits to the two peoples. Liu also introduced the major experience of China’s economic and social development and the main features of Chinese modernization.  

The party leaders thanked the Chinese side for its long-term and valuable support to the economic and social development of South Africa, and expressed their hope to strengthen exchanges with the CPC and learn from the CPC’s experience in party building and state governance to facilitate South Africa’s development and advance South Africa-China relations.  

Nyhontso said, the PAC has a long history with interacting with China, with many of its leaders and members trained in China. He hoped to learn from China’s experience in areas such as land reform and rural development to help South Africa solve its prominent problems. Hendricks fondly recalled his experience of interacting with the Chinese side and appreciated China’s great achievements in poverty alleviation. Calling the strong leadership of the CPC the key to China’s success, he said he would like to learn from the Chinese side’s experience. Herron said, South Africa can benefit from China’s rapid economic and social development, and hoped that the two countries will strengthen practical cooperation in various fields, closely coordinate and cooperate in BRICS and other multilateral mechanisms, and promote a more just and equitable international order. Nontenja said, as South Africa is undergoing special changes in its political landscape, the UDM is willing to play a role in the country’s development, hoping to strengthen exchanges with the CPC on national and party construction.