China expresses strong backing for South Africa’s G20 presidency at National Day celebration

As South Africa prepares to host the first G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil in November, the People’s Republic of China has reiterated its firm support for Pretoria’s presidency and the upcoming gathering in Johannesburg.

The summit, scheduled for 22–23 November at the Nasrec Expo Centre, will bring together leaders of the world’s largest economies, alongside the African Union and invited guests. It will be held under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”, reflecting South Africa’s priorities of inclusive growth, food security, and innovation — including the governance of artificial intelligence.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has stressed that these issues are central to both Africa and the wider developing world, describing the summit as an opportunity to place the needs of the Global South firmly on the global agenda.

At a celebration in Johannesburg marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Consul General Pan Qingjiang said the relationship between China and South Africa was best described as “comrades plus brothers.”

“We are both important members of the Global South. Under the leadership of the two heads-of-state, the all-round strategic cooperative partnership in a new era between China and South Africa has continuously borne new fruits,” said Pan.

“Under the new circumstances, China-South Africa relationship is of greater significance and embraces broader opportunities and brighter future. China is willing to move forward with South Africa hand in hand to enhance political mutual trust, deepen economic and trade cooperation, consolidate people-to-people and cultural exchanges, strengthen coordination on international affairs so as to promote higher-quality development of bilateral relations that better benefit our two peoples and promote world peace and development.”

Pan noted that in June, President Xi Jinping announced that China would grant zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff lines to all 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with Beijing.

“This is an important step taken by China to deepen cooperation with Africa and to support the continent’s industrialization and agricultural modernization. We hope that South Africa would seize the opportunity and join at an early date,” he said.

“China firmly supports South Africa’s G20 presidency. We look forward to a great and successful G20 Johannesburg Summit, making greater contributions to African peace and development and leaving a ‘Global South’ imprint on global governance. Sub-national and people-to-people exchanges are an essential part and cornerstone of bilateral relations.”

The Consul General highlighted growing cooperation with provinces such as Gauteng and the Free State, pointing to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s visit to China earlier this year.

“In June, Mr Panyaza Lesufi, Premier of Gauteng led a delegation to attend the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo and visited Hunan Province and Shenzhen Municipality. During his visit, Hunan and Gauteng signed a twinning arrangement, sealing cooperation in various sectors,” said Pan.

“The consulate-general remains committed to deepening communication and engagement with all sectors in Gauteng and Free State, and to actively facilitating practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. I hope the two sides will build on the fresh momentum of China-South Africa relations and work together to usher in a new chapter of sub-national friendship and cooperation.”

On behalf of the Consulate, Pan expressed “heartfelt thanks” to South Africans who have supported China’s development, while extending festive greetings to the Chinese community.

“I also wish to extend festive greetings to my fellow compatriots. I hope the Chinese community will double their efforts in contributing to the modernization drive of both China and South Africa, and to the building of a high-level community with a shared future between the two nations,” he said.

“The Consulate General will, as always, be committed to diplomacy for the people and continue to provide to our fellow countrymen with high-quality consular services. We hope that both sides will continue working together to foster a favorable and enabling business and security environment.”

The event was attended by senior South African politicians, including Gauteng MEC for Education, Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, representing Premier Lesufi; Free State MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Ntombizanele Sifuba, representing Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae; DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga; and Mangaung executive mayor Gregory Nthatisi.

Addressing the celebrations, Chiloane conveyed “warmest congratulations” to the People’s Republic of China, Consul General Pan, and the Chinese people.

“Seventy-six years of remarkable transformation and development is indeed a cause for great celebration. The founding of the People’s Republic marked not only a pivotal moment in Chinese history but also a significant milestone for the Global South and all nations striving for independence and prosperity,” said Chiloane.

He praised China’s economic achievements, noting: “From Gauteng’s perspective as South Africa’s economic powerhouse, we have witnessed China’s ascent to become the world’s second-largest economy, largest manufacturing nation, and top goods trading country. Your achievement of 5.3% economic growth in the first half of this year, with foreign trade growing for six consecutive months despite global challenges, demonstrates remarkable resilience.”

“What impresses us most is China’s evolution toward high-quality development, innovation, green energy, and people-centered advancement — values that align perfectly with Gauteng’s own developmental aspirations,” Chiloane added.

MEC Sifuba also congratulated China on behalf of the Free State government.

“It is a profound pleasure and distinct honour to join you this evening as we commemorate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. This milestone which began with the declaration of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 represents a monumental history of resilience and development,” she said.

“We wish to extend our warmest congratulations to the government and the people of China on this historic occasion. You celebrate this milestone in this month of September which is also important in our country because it is in this month that we celebrate our heritage, since our government in 1995 declared the 24th September as the national Heritage Day in South Africa.”

She noted the strength of the China-South Africa partnership, reinforced by collaboration through BRICS, Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and now the G20.

“The office of the Consulate General demonstrated true partnership by providing well-needed assistance by donating blankets, food parcels, water, and other essentials to Kopanong Local Municipality during the tragic mining tailings lime dam wall collapse in Jaggersfontein in September 2022. Our 2023 mission to China strengthened ties with Jiangxi and Jiangsu provinces and established new cooperation between Xhariep District Municipality and Yangzhou Municipality in Jiangsu.”

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

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