Bilateral Relations Between People's Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa
(Last Update: 2003/10/12)
1. Political Relations
The People's Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa established
diplomatic relations on January 1, 1998. Bilateral ties between the two
countries have witnessed smooth development since then.
At the end of December 1997, Chinese Vice Premier and Foreign Minister Qian
Qichen was invited to visit South Africa, and signed with South African Foreign
Minister Alfred Nzo the Joint Communiqu¨¦ on the establishment of diplomatic
relations between the two countries.
In April 1998, South African Vice President Thabo Mbeki visited China. In
September of the same year, Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan was invited to
South Africa to attend the 12thNon-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit as an observer.
In October, Speaker of South African National Assembly Frene Ginwala paid a
visit to China.
In February 1999, Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao visited South Africa. South
African President Nelson Mandela paid a state visit to China in May 1999. In
June, the same year, Chinese Vice Premier Qian Qichen, as the Special Envoy of
President Jiang Zemin, was invited to South Africa to attend the inaugural
ceremony of President Thabo Mbeki. In November 1999, Li Peng, Chairman of the
National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, paid an official visit to
South Africa.
From April 24 to 27, 2000, Chinese President Jing Zemin, at the invitation of
his South African counterpart Mbeki, paid a state visit to South Africa. During
the visit, Jiang held formal talks with Mbeki. The two presidents conducted an
in-depth exchange of views on bilateral ties and international and regional
issues and reached extensive consensuses. President Jiang said that China and
South African are both developing countries with significant influences in their
own regions, insisting that maintaining the legitimate rights and interests of
developing countries, and promoting the establishment of a just and reasonable
new international order are both countries' common goal. Jiang also said that
the continuous expansion and deepening of bilateral friendly cooperation between
China and South Africa not only conform to the two countries' long-term and
fundamental interests, but also contribute to world peace and development. Mbeki
expressed his thanks to the Chinese Government and people for their long-term
support for South Africa's struggle against apartheid. He said South Africa
attaches great importance to its cooperation with China. Mbeki added that the
establishment of bilateral strategic relations between China and South Africa
will not only benefit both countries' cooperation in some concrete fields, but
also benefit bilateral cooperation on a series of issues, such as globalization,
world trade, financial systems, debt, as well as how developing countries can
play a role in the establishment of a new international order. During the visit,
President Jiang Zemin also held separate meetings with former South African
President Mandela, Vice President Zuma, Speaker of the National Assembly of
South Africa Frene Ginwala, Governor of Gaudeng Mbhazima Shilowa, and Moeckel,
Governor of the Western Cape. The two heads of state signed the Pretoria
Declaration on the Partnership between the People's Republic of China and the
Republic of South Africa, and decided to set up a Bi-National Commission between
the two countries. Besides, six other governmental agreements were signed by
relevant department heads from both countries: the Agreement on Sea
Transportation between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of South
Africa; the Cooperation Accord of Plant Quarantine between the Government of the
People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of South Africa;
the Agreement of Animal Quarantine and Sanitary Cooperation between the
Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic
of South Africa; the Agreement of Cooperation in the Fields of Culture and Art
between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of
the Republic of South Africa; the Agreement on Avoidance of Dual Taxation and
Evasion of Tax between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the
Government of the Republic of South Africa; the Agreement on Strengthening the
Cooperation between the Police of the People's Republic of China and the
Republic of South Africa.
On January 14, 2000, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan sent a condolence telegram to
his South African counterpart Zuma for the death of South African former Foreign
Minister Alfred Nzo.
From February 23 to 26, 2000, Vice Foreign Minister Wang Guangya paid a stopover
visit to South Africa and held consultation with his South African counterpart
A. Pahad on issues of common concern, such as bilateral ties and human rights
issue.
From February 24 to 29, 2000, Dai Bingguo, Head of the International Liaison
Department of Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), headed a
delegation to South Africaat the invitation of the African National Congress of
South Africa. During the visit, Dai met with Zuma, Vice Chairman of the congress
and Vice President of South Africa, and held talks with Nguniyam, Director of
the Chairman Office of the Congress, and Nzimande, General Secretary of South
African Communist Party. Dai also has a lunch with Zuma and met with Owen,
Minister of South African Trade and Industry and Macos, Vice President of the
South African Reserve Bank.
From March 23 to 26, 2000, South African Foreign Minister Zuma paid an official
visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Tan Jiaxuan. His
visit was mainly aimed at making preparations for President Jiang Zemin's state
visit to South Africa. President Jiang and Foreign Minister Tang met with Zuma.
President Jiang Zemin sang highly of the fruits China-South African bilateral
cooperation has achieved and its prospect, and said that China attaches much
importance to its friendly cooperative relations with South Africa, a big power
and important developing country in Africa. Jiang expressed his wishes that both
sides should continue working to push forward bilateral ties of friendly
cooperation. Zuma said South Africa highly values its relations with China and
regards Chinaas an important strategic partner of South Africaand even Africa as
a whole. South Africa sees its cooperation with China as an important part of
South-South Cooperation. South Africa said it feels satisfactory with its rapid
and full-fledged cooperation with China and hopes the two countries to further
strengthen and expand cooperation. Tang Jiaxuan and Zuma also exchanged views on
mutual high-level visits, international and regional situation, South-South
cooperation, and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
From June 14 to 17, 2000, Vice Foreign Minister Ji Peiding visited South
Africafor consultations about the Ministerial Conference Beijing 2000 of the
Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. During the visit, Ji met with South African
Foreign Minister Zuma and they exchanged views on the forum and the relations
between Chinaand South Africa.
On June 26, 2000, Chinese Vice Premier Wen Jiabao met with South African Vice
President Zuma at the sideline of the United Nations Special Assembly for Social
Development convened in Geneva. Both sides exchanged views on bilateral ties,
and international and social issues.
From July 1 to 6, 2000, Jia Qinglin, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC
Standing Committee, and Secretary of Beijing Municipal Party Committee, headed a
party delegation to South Africa at the invitation of the African National
Congress (ANC) of South Africa and the Gaudeng Provincial Government. During the
visit, Jia met with South African Vice President Zuma, and held separate talks
with Mbhazima Shilowa, Governor of Gaudeng Province, Motlanthe, General
Secretary of African National Congress of South Africa, and Nzimande, General
Secretary of the South African Communist Party. They exchanged views on the
strengthening of the two parties as well as bilateral exchanges and economic and
trade cooperation between Beijingand Gaudeng. The delegation also met with Ngali,
Mayor of the Great Pretoria, and Marllaika, Chairman of the Municipal
Administration Commission.
On August 30, 2000, Chairman Li Peng of the Standing Committee of the National
People's Congress (NPC) met with Ginwala, Speaker of the National Assembly of
South African, during his attendance at the UN Millennium Parliamentary
Assembly. The two parliament heads exchanged views on China-South African
bilateral ties and the cooperation between the two parliaments in International
Parliament Union.
From September 1 to 6, 2000, Sha Zukang, Director of Department of Arms Control
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, headed a delegation to South Africa
for the first bilateral arms control consultation between China and South
Africa.
On September 7, 2000, President Jiang Zemin, during his attendance at the UN
Millennium Summit Meeting, had a breakfast with South African President Mbeki
and other heads of developing countries. During the breakfast, Mbeki,
representing participants, delivered a speech of thanks.
On September 15, 2000, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan met with South African
counterpart Zuma during his participation in the 55thUN General Assembly. The
two ministers exchanged views on the establishment of a new international
political and economic order, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, influences
of the globalization upon developing countries, etc. At the preceding General
Committee of the UN General Assembly, the South African delegation spoke in
favor of the Chinese stance of opposing listing the resolution "Taiwan's
return to the UN'' into the agenda of the UN General Assembly. It was the second
time that South African delegation backed China on this issue following 1999.
From October 8 to 12, 2000, a South African delegation headed by Foreign
Minister Zuma, and Alec Erwin, Minister of Trade and Industry, attended the
Ministerial Conference Beijing 2000 of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
During the meeting, Vice Foreign Minister Ji Peiding met with Zuma. Both sides
exchanged views on issues of common concern, such as the development of
bilateral relations and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, etc, and agreed
to start the Bi-National Commission as soon as possible. Minister of Foreign
Trade and Economic Cooperation met with Owen. The two ministers held discussions
about a series of issues, such as China's offering more market access to South
African non-commercial products, the two countries' disputes about intellectual
property right, and China's accession into the World Trade Organization (WTO),
etc.
On November 20, 2000, at the 55thUN General Assembly, South Africa voted in
favor of the resolution, jointly put forward by China, Russia, Belarus, and
Kyrghyz, to maintain and abide by the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM).
From November 22 to 26, 2000, at the invitation of the National Assembly of
South Africa, Vice Chairman Tian Jiyun of the Standing Committee of the National
People's Congress (NPC) paid an official visit to South Africa. Ji met with
Ginwala, Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa, and held talks with
Deputy Speaker Mbedi. The two sides reached a common consensus that
strengthening inter-parliament exchanges between the two countries serves as an
important channel for the enhancing of mutual understanding. They hoped the two
parliaments and other special commissions strengthen exchanges, learn from each
other, and enhance friendship, to play a role in promoting bilateral economic
and trade development.
Other South African officials who visited China in 2000 are as follows: Jeff
Ranebe, Minister of Public Enterprises (May); Moeckel, Governor of the West Cape
(June); Mlaizihe, Speaker of the Kwazulu-Natal Provincial Parliament (June);
Thoko Msane, Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs (August); Telike, Governor
of Freedom Province (September); Stofeil, Governor of the East Cape Province
(who visited China for participation into the International Meeting of
Sister-cities held in September, 2000 in Beijng);Ben Ngubane, Minister of Art
and Technology (who attended the first China-South African Joint Scientific and
Technological Commission held in October in Beijing); and Casabarri, Minister of
Post and Telecommunications (December).
From December 9 to 11, 2001, at the invitation of President Jiang Zemin,
President Mbeki paid a state visit to China. Accompanying Mbeki to Chinawere
South African Foreign Minister, Minister of Defense, Minister of Public
Enterprise, Minister of Safety and Public Security, Minister of Trade and
Industry, Minister of Judicial Affairs and Development of Constitution, Minister
of Environment and Travel, and Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy. During
the visit, President Jiang and President Mbeki co-chaired the first plenary
meeting of the Bi-National Commission. President Jiang said that this meeting
signified that the function of the Commission officially started, which would
bring into a new stage bilateral friendly cooperation in all dimensions and in
various fields. President Jiang said the Chinese Government appreciated the
South African Government's stance of sticking to the "one China"
policy and supporting China's efforts for national reunification. President
Mbeki said that the functioning of the Commission is a historic moment in the
development of bilateral relations, which would play an important role in
promoting the two countries' cooperation in various fields. Mbeki said the
government of South Africa would do its best to promote bilateral cooperation in
the fields of politics and economy. President Mbeki congratulated President
Jiang on China's entry into the WTO and Beijing's successful bid to hold 2008
Olympic game. The two heads of state also exchanged views on African situation,
New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), Sino-African cooperation, the
World Summit on Sustainable Development, as well as international cooperation on
anti-terrorism. China decided to make South Africa a destination for its
citizens to travel abroad.
Chairman Li Peng of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC),
Premier Zhu Rongji and Vice President Hu Jintao also met with President Mbeki
respectively. China and South Africa signed the Agreement on Extradition and
Foreign Ministers from the two countries exchanged notes on the formation of the
Bi-National Commission.
Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and his South African counterpart Zuma held talks
and co-chaired the Ministerial Meeting of the Bi-National Commission. Shi
Guangsheng, Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of China, and
Erwin, Minister of Trade and Industry of South Africa, co-chaired the first
meeting of the Joint Committee of the Trade and Economic Affairs, and the two
signed the Summary of talks. Chinese officials in charge of national defense,
public security, judicial affairs, science and technology, territorial
resources, environment protection and travel met and held separate talks with
their South African counterparts. President Mbeki visited the Research Institute
of Nuclear Energy of Tsinghua University and delivered a speech at the
high-learning institute. The President also visited Shanghai and met with its
Acting Mayor Chen Liangyu. During the visit, President Mbeki attended the
symposium on Sino-South Africa trade and economic cooperation and gave a speech.
From April 19 to 25, 2001, at the invitation of Speaker Ginwala of the National
Assembly of South Africa, Li Ruihuan, Chairman of the Chinese People's Political
Consultative Conference (CPPCC) paid an official goodwill visit to South Africa.
During the visit, Chairman Li met with South African President Mbeki, Vice
President Zuma, Speaker Ginwala of the National Assembly and Madame Pandor,
Chairman of the Committee of the Provincial Affairs of the National Assembly.
The two sides exchanged views on the cooperation between the CPPCC and the
National Assembly of South Africa, and held discussions on international issues
of common concern. Chairman Li stated that the Chinese people sincerely hope
that South Africa would create new miracles in the new century and wish to
exchange experience with South Africa and other African countries in seeking the
national rejuvenation. President Mbeki highly appreciated China-sponsored Forum
on China-Africa Cooperation, which he thought would help African countries
realize challenges ahead and coordinate their efforts to meet these challenges.
From January 9-16, 2001, at the invitation of the Foreign Affairs Committee of
the National People's Congress (NPC), a 10-member delegation of the Foreign
Affairs Committee of the South African National Assembly headed by Mr. Jordan
visited China. The delegation met with Xu Jialu, Vice Chairman of the NPC
Standing Committee, and leading officials from Chinese Foreign Ministry and
International Liaison Department of the CCCPC.
From February 26 to March 5, 2001, at the invitation of the Chinese People's
Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Zwelithini, King of Zulu and
the traditional leader of South Africa, visited China. Vice Premier Wen Jiabao,
Vice Foreign Minister Ji Peiding and Vice Minister of Agriculture Liu Jian met
him separately.
From March 27 to 31, 2001, Wang Zhongyu, State Councilor and Secretary General
of the State Council, accompanied by Minister of Personnel Zhang Xuezhong,
headed a delegation to South Africa and met with South African Acting President
Zuma.
On April 12, 2001, Chinese new ambassador to South Africa Liu Guijin presented
credentials to South African President Mbeki.
On April 17, South Africa cast the vote of abstention on China-advocated motion
of "no action" on the anti-China proposal put forward by some Western
countries.
On July 25, 2001, South Africa-China Friendship Association was established in
Pretoria, Capital of South Africa. Dlamini, former South African ambassador to
China, acts as president of the Association.
On July 27, 2001, Motlanthe, General Secretary of the African National Congress
of South Africa and General Secretary Nzimande of the South African Communist
Party, attended the celebrating activity to commemorate the 80th anniversary of
the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Motlanthe sent a
congratulatory telegram to Chinese President Jiang Zemin.
On August 29, 2001, Ambassador Liu Guijin, as representative of the CPC,
attended the meeting celebrating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the
South African Communist Party, which was held in Durban. Ambassador Liu read the
congratulatory letter from the Central Committee of the CPC.
On August 31, 2001, the Central Committee of the CPC sent a telegram of
condolence to the Executive Committee of the African National Congress (ANC) and
the Central Committee of the South African Communist Party for the passing away
of Mr. Mbeki, the senior leader of ANC and the father of the current President
Mbeki.
From August 31 to September 4, 2001, the Chinese delegation headed by Vice
Foreign Minister Wang Guangya attended the United Nations World Anti-Racism
Conference held in Durban. Wang met with his South African counterpart Mbete and
exchanged views on bilateral relations and the cooperation at the Conference.
From October 23 to 29, 2001, at the invitation of African National Congress
(ANC), a CPC delegation headed by Li Tieying, member of the Political Bureau of
the Central Committee of the CPC and President of the Chinese Academy of Social
Science, visited South Africa. During the visit, Li met with Zuma, South African
Vice President and Vice Chairman of the ANC. Li also held talks with leaders of
the ANC and South African Communist Party respectively and exchanged views on
how to strengthen construction of the ruling party, exchanges between parties,
and the impact of September 11 event on international situation.
On November 8, 2001, Kubheka, South African newly appointed ambassador to China,
presented credentials to Chinese President Jiang Zemin.
From November 19 to 26, 2001, at the invitation of the Standing Committee of the
National People's Congress (NPC), Deputy Speaker Mbete of South African National
Assembly, visited China. Chairman Li Peng and Vice Chairman Tian Jiyun of the
Standing Committee of the NPC met with Madame Mbete respectively. The two sides
exchanged views on the cooperation and exchanges between two parliaments.
From December 11 to 17, 2001, at the invitation of the CPC, the ANC delegation,
headed by General Secretary Motlanthe visited China, who was accompanied by
Minister Radebe of Public Enterprises. Chairman Li Peng of the Standing
Committee of National People's Congress, and Li Tieying, member of the Political
Bureau of the Central Committee of the CPC met with the delegation respectively.
Motlan the also met with Dai Binguo, Head of the International Liaison
Department of the CPC Central Committee, and held talks with Cai Wu, Vice Head
of the International Liaison Department of the CPC. The two sides exchanged
views on how to strengthen exchanges between two parties and how to coordinate
their positions on major international issues.
On December 19, 2001, Foreign Minister Zuma sent a letter to Foreign Minister
Tang Jiaxuan to express thanks for China's warm-hearted and friendly reception
of President Mbeki during his visit to China, and expect Tang's visit to South
Africa in the coming January.
On October 11, 2002, President Jiang Zemin was invited to talk on the phone with
South African former President Nelson Mandela. Mandale congratulated China on
its National Day, and President Jiang expressed thanks to Mandale for his
contribution to the development of China-South African bilateral relations. The
two also exchanged views on the Iraq issue.
From August 31 to September 6, 2002, at the invitation of the South African
Government, Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji went to South Africa to attend the World
Summit on Sustainable Development and paid a working visit to the country.
During the visit, Premier Zhu held talks with South African President Mbeki.
Premier Zhu stated that the Chinese side was satisfied to see that in the past
less than five years, Sino-South African bilateral relations have undergone
rapid and all-facet development. There were frequent high-level and other kinds
of mutual exchanges between the two countries. The cooperation and exchanges
between the two countries in the fields of trade and economy, energy, science
and technology, culture and education have continuously expanded. Premier Zhu
thanked the South African government for its adherence to the "one
China" policy, and said that both China and South Africa are big developing
countries of with important influences in its own region. The two countries have
enjoyed mutual understanding and trust on important international and regional
issues. The coordination between two countries has been continuously
strengthened. China was willing to join hands with South Africa to unceasingly
push forward bilateral relations of the comprehensive partnership, long-time
stability, sincerity and mutual benefit. President Mbeki thanked Premier Zhu for
his attendance at the Conference, which he thought would be an active
contribution to the success of the Conference. President Mbeki said that South
Africa and China enjoy good cooperation in the fields of politics, economy,
culture and other fields. The establishment of the Bi-National Commission would
make bilateral coordination and cooperation more effective. South Africa
attaches great importance to its relationship with China, and will work with the
Chinese side to promote bilateral comprehensive partnership of cooperation.
Premier Zhu also met with Vice President Zuma, Speaker Ginwala and celebrities
from South African business circles.
On June 10, 2002, Vice Premier Wen Jiabao met with South African President Mbeki
at the Headquarter of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations (FAO) in Rome when he attended the World Summit on Food as the head of
the Chinese delegation.
From October 9 to16, 2002, at the invitation of the Chinese People's Political
Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Madame Pandor, Chairman of the Committee of the
Provincial Affairs of the South African National Assembly, visited China. Pandor
respectively met with Chairman of Li Peng of the Standing Committee of the
National People's Congress and Li Ruihuan, Chairman of the CPPCC, and held talks
with Vice Chairman of the CPPCC Chen Jinhua. The Chinese leaders said that China
attaches great importance to its friendly relations of cooperation with South
Africa. China's NPC and CPPCC are willing to actively carry out exchange and
cooperation with the parliament of South Africa and learn from each other to
contribute to the advancement of bilateral ties and the enhancing of the
friendship between the two peoples. Pandor thanked the Chinese Government for
its consistent supports to South Africa and sang highly of the enormous
achievements China has accomplished since the adoption of reform and opening-up.
Pandor expressed that South Africa would learn from Chinese experience and its
parliament would continue to work hard to advance the development of the
friendly ties between the two countries.
From January 12 to 15, 2002, at the invitation of South African Foreign Minister
Zuma, Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan visited South Africa. During the
visit, Tang met with South African President Mbeki and held talks with his South
African counterpart Zuma. The two foreign ministers co-chaired the first meeting
of the sub-committee of the Bi-National Commission. Tang also delivered a speech
on Chinese economic situation and Sino-South African friendly cooperation at a
luncheon co-sponsored by Africa-Asia Association of South Africa and the Chinese
embassy in South Africa.
From February 2 to 8, 2002, at the invitation of the Institute of International
issues of South Africa, Mei Zhaorong, President of the Chinese People's
Institute of Foreign Affairs, headed a delegation to South Africa and met with
General Secretary Motlanthe of the African National Congress (ANC) and the
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly of South
Africa.
From April 10 to 15, 2002, at the invitation of South African Communist Party, a
Chinese Communist Party delegation headed by Liu Yandong, Alternate Member of
the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and Deputy Head of
the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, visited South
Africa.
From June 11 to 16, 2002, at the invitation of the Academy of Engineer of South
Africa, Vice President Song Jian of the CPPCC visited South Africa and met with
Deputy Speaker Mbete of the National Assembly and Ngubane, Minister of Culture
and Art.
From July 7 to 10, 2002, Vice Foreign Minister Yang Wenchang attended the first
summit meeting of the African Union, held in South Africa, and also paid a visit
to the country at the invitation of South African Vice Foreign Minister Pahad.
During the visit, Yang met with South African Vice President Zuma, and Foreign
Minister Zuma respectively and held talks with Vice Foreign Minister Pahad.
From July 24 to 28, 2002, a CPC delegation headed by Party Secretary Bai Keming
of Hainan Province was invited to attend the eleventh national congress of the
South African Communist Party. Bai delivered a congratulatory speech for the CPC
Central Committee to the meeting and handed General Secretary of the CPC Central
Committee Jiang Zemin's congratulatory telegram when meeting with Nzimande,
General Secretary of South African Communist Party.
On September 12, 2002, the representative of South Africa gave a speech at the
meeting of the General Committee of the 57th United Nations General Assembly to
reaffirm that the South African Government adheres to the "one-China"
policy and is opposed to include the proposal of "Taiwan's participation in
the UN" into the agenda of the present General Assembly.
From October 11 to 18, 2002, at the invitation of the Chinese People's Institute
of Foreign Affairs, Tolomisa, Chairman of the Joint Democratic Movement of the
South African Opposition Parties, at the capacity of a parliament member,
visited China and met with Vice Chairman Wang Zhaoguo of the CPPCC.
On December 16, 2002, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China
(CPC) sent a letter to the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa
congratulating the convening of the 51stgeneral meeting of the ANC. On 17,
December, General Secretary Hu Jintao of the CPC Central Committee sent a
telegram to Mbeki congratulating him on reelection of the chairman of the ANC.
At the invitation of the ANC, Wang jiarui, alternate member of the CPC Central
Committee and Vice Head of the International Liaison Department of the CPC
Central Committee, headed a delegation to attend the opening ceremony of the
meeting.
From January 19 to22, 2003, at the invitation of the South Africa Government,
Chinese Vice Premier Li Lanqing paid an official visit to South Africa. Li met
with South African President Mbeki and Speaker Ginwala and held talks with Vice
President Zuma. Li gave an active evaluation of China-South African relations
and said he was satisfied with the substantial achievements of bilateral ties in
various fields over the past years since the two countries established
diplomatic relations. Vice Premier Li expressed China's willingness to further
strengthen full cooperation with South Africa. Li stated that China extremely
appreciates the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) advocated by
South Africa, and supports African countries' efforts for national
reconciliation and social stability. China will continue to work hard to help
Africa deal with challenges brought by globalization through the Forum on
China-African cooperation. China hopes to deepen mutual cooperation with Africa
in various fields through governmental and non-governmental channels and make
joint efforts to perfect mutual infrastructure construction, and explore human
resources. The South African leaders congratulated China on its successful
convening of the 16thnational congress of the CPC and its enormous
accomplishment the reform and opening-up policy has achieved. South African
leaders appreciate the positive progress South Africa-China cooperation has
scored and said South Africa wishes to learn from China's successful experience.
Africa needs stability and peace, and South Africais willing to work together
with China and the international community towards this end. During the visit,
China and South Africa signed the Accord on Criminal and Judicial Assistance
between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa. Chen
Zhili, Minister of Education who accompanied Li to visit to South Africa, held
talks with South African Minister of Education Asmal and signed the summary of
talks. Xu Guanhua, Minister of Science and Technology, held talks with South
African Minister of Art and Science Ngubane.
On February 25, 2003, Vice Foreign Minister Wang Guangya met with South African
Foreign Minister Zuma when he attended the 13thsummit meeting of the Non-Aligned
Movement, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The two sides exchanged views on the
Iraq issue and China-South African relations.
From March 18 to 21, 2003, at the invitation of the Ministry of State Security,
South African Minister of Intelligence Shisulu visited China and met with Luo
Gan, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central
Committee.
On May 11, 2003, South African President Mbeki sent telegrams to President Hu
Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao respectively, and South African Health Minister
Manto Tshabalala-Msimang sent a telegram to Wu Yi, Vice Premier and Minister of
Health, to express condolence to China for its SARS outbreak. They expressed
South Africa's wishes to offer help it can to the Chinese people for the
prevention of the epidemic.
2. Trade Relations and Economic and Technical Cooperation
South Africa is China's largest trading partner in Africa. The trade volume
between China and South Africa accounted for 20 percent of the total trade
volume between China and Africa. The direct bilateral trade between the two
countries started in early 1990s. The trade volume between China and South
Africa rapidly rose to US$2.58 billion in 2002 from US$ 14 million in 1991. In
June 2000, the INVESTEC, South African Bank of Investment singed with the
People's Bank of China an agreement on gold sales. The agreement regulates South
African Rand Refinery sells one ton of gold to the People's Bank of China every
three weeks. The accord, without time limits, was the first such kind of accord
singed between the two countries.
From October 1 to 6, 2000, a Chinese delegation headed by President Yu Xiaosong
of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) visited
South Africa to attend South African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX).
On October 16, 2000, the governments of the People's Republic of Chinaa nd South
Africa held the first meeting of the Joint Scientific and Technological
Committee in Beijing. At the meeting, the two countries agreed to further
develop and deepen bilateral scientific and technological cooperation, and
encourage and support bilateral long-term cooperation on technological research
and exploration projects.
From November 25 to December 1, 2000, Ma Xiuhong, Assistant Minister of Foreign
Trade and Economic Cooperation, visited South Africa. During the visit, Ma
attended the hand-over ceremony of the first 128 sets of low-cost houses
constructed with the aid of China. Ma also met with Minister Erwin of the South
African Ministry of Trade and Industry.
On February 16, 2001, China Construction Bank opened a branch bank in
Johannesburg. This was the second a Chinese Bank to open its business in South
Africa. President Mbeki attended the opening ceremony and gave a speech. He said
that the opening of business by China Construction Bank in South Africa
signified that there was great potentiality for economic cooperation between two
countries.
On May 18, 2001, the South African Chinese Business Council was established
under the sponsoring of 16 South Africa-based China-funded enterprises. The aim
of the Council is to aim unite all South Africa-based Chinese enterprises to
promote the cooperation among themselves and strengthen communications with the
local government and relevant departments, so as to achieve a joint cooperation
and better development.
On June 21, 2001, a trade and economic technological fair was held in
Johannesburg, South Africa, by Guangdong Province. Governor Lu Ruihua of the
province and 400 business representatives attended the event. The contracted
value reached at this fair totaled US$1 billion.
From November 15 to 17, 2001, a Chinese trade and economic delegation headed by
He Xiaowei, Assistant Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, paid a
visit to South Africa. The assistant minister met with Minister Sankie of
Housing and Minister Erwin of Trade and Industry. He also attended the hand-over
ceremony of the low-cost houses built with the aid of China.
From March 3 to 7, 2002, Vice Governor Li Dachang of Southwest China's Sichuan
Province headed a delegation to South Africa. During the visit, Sichuan Province
sponsored a trade and economic symposium in Johannesburg.
On October 8, 2002, Chinese ambassador to South Africa Liu Jingui and South
African Ministry of Water and Forest Resources Ronnie Kasrils attended the
hand-over ceremony of some gratis water supplying equipment provided by the
Chinese Government to the South African Government.
In 2002, the total trade volume between China and South Africa reached US$2.58
billion, up 16.1 percent from the previous year. Of the total, China's exports
was US$1.311 billion, up 25 percent than that of the previous year, and imports
US$1.269 billion, up 8.2 percent.
By the end of June 2002, the Chinese government gave its approval to 96
enterprises for their investment in South Africa, with contracted value of
US$190 million. South Africahad 205 investment projects in China, with
contracted value of US $130 million.
3. Exchanges in the fields of Culture, Science and Technology
The Governments of China and South Africa have signed agreements on Cultural,
Scientific and Technological Cooperation, and set up a joint scientific and
technologic commission. Cultural groups and artist troupes from the two
countries have exchanged visits and held regular exhibitions in the past years.
Several Groups of journalists from South Africa were invited to visit China.
In March 1999, Deputy Director of the State Administration of Radio, Film and
Television Tong Xiangrong visited South Africa. In April, Vice Minister of
Science and Technology Deng Nan visited South Africaand signed an agreement on
scientific and technological cooperation with the South African side. A joint
scientific and technological cooperation commission was thus established between
the two countries.
In April 2000, China and South African signed an e agreement on cultural
cooperation.
On June 26, 2000, a Chinese delegation headed by Vice Minister of Personnel
Zhang Xuezhong visited South Africa. During the visit, Zhang held talks with
South African Minister of Public Office and Administrative Affairs Moleketi and
signed a memorandum of understanding.
From September 3 to 8, 2000, Deputy Procurator-general Liang Guoqing of the
Supreme People's Procuratorate headed a delegation to attend the fifth annual
meeting of International Procurators' Federation, held in Cape Town, South
Africa. China and South Africa signed a memorandum of understanding for
cooperation between the two countries' procuratorates.
On October 24, 2000, Deputy Head of the China Central Television (CCTV) He Zong
signed with Jim Walkwen, a representative from the MIH Holding Limited, a South
African satellite TV group, a contract on television cooperation in
Johannesburg. The accord regulates that the MIH will carry CCTV-9 programs in
Africa.
From October 13 to 18, 2000, Minister of Health Zhang Wenkang visited South
Africa and held talks with his South African counterpart Msimang. The two
ministers signed a memorandum of understanding for bilateral hygiene
cooperation.
From August 23 to 25, 2001, at the invitation of the State General
Administration of Sport, Balfour, Minister of Sport of South Africa, visited
China and signed with Yuan Weimin, head of the Administration, a memorandum of
sport cooperation between two countries.
From September 9 to 14, 2001, Minister of Civil Affairs of China Doje Cering
visited South Africa and held talks with Minister Skweyiya of Social Development
of South Africa. He also visited South African poverty-alleviation projects.
From October 9 to 12, 2001, a Chinese cultural delegation headed by Assistant
Minister Jia Mingru of Culture visited South Africa and met with Bridgitte
Mabandla, Vice Minister of Art and Science of South Africa.
On November 13, 2001, at the invitation of the Business Journal of South Africa,
Vice President Jia Shumei of the All-China Journalists Association headed a
financial news delegation to South Africa. Accompanying Jia were journalists
from the Xinhua News Agency, CCTV, China National Radio, Economic Daily,
Economic Information Daily, Legal Daily, China Financial and Economic News,
China Financial and Economic Magazine, and Jifang Daily.
From January 26 to February 1, 2002, at the invitation of the Ministry of
Personnel, Minister Moleketi of Public Office and Administrative Affairs of
South Africa visited China, and met with State Councilor and Secretary-general
Wang Zhongyu. Moleketi held talks with Minister Zhang Xuezhong of Personnel and
signed a memorandum on the cooperation of developing human resources between the
two countries.
On February 17, 2002, artists from Chinaand South Africa held an art performance
entitled "Hailing for China". South African President Mbeki gave a
heart-warming TV speech on this event.
From March 1 to 8, 2002, at the invitation of the Ministry of Culture of China,
a cultural delegation headed by Vice Minister of Art and Science of South Africa
visited China and met with Assistant Minister of Culture Iia Mingru. The two
sides signed the 2001-2004 implementation plan of the culture and art agreement
between two countries.
From April 12 to 15, 2002, at the invitation of the Ministry of Construction of
China, Minister Sankie of Housing of South Africa visited China and held talks
with Minister of Construction Wang Guangtao.
From May 8 to 15, 2002, at the invitation of the Ministry of Labor and Social
Security of China, General Director Romasa of the Ministry of Labor of South
Africa visited China.
From May 19 to 22, 2002, at the invitation of South African Ministry of Health,
Vice Minister of Health Se Jing visited South Africaand signed with South
African Minister of Health Msimang an agreement on bilateral cooperation on the
traditional medicines.
On October 4, 2002, at the invitation of Minister Ngubane of Culture, Art and
Science of South Africa, Chinese Vice Minister of Culture Meng Xiaosi attended
the fifth Ministerial Meeting on International Cultural and Network Policy, held
in Cape Town, South Africa. Meng met with Minister Ngubane.
From October 13 to 19, 2002, at the invitation of the Ministry of
Communications, South African Ministry of Communications Dullah Omar visited
China. Minister of Communications Huang Zhendong met with Omar and arranged for
him a banquet. Minister of Railways Fu Zhihuan and Director of the Civil
Aviation Administration of China Yang Yuanyuan respectively met with him.
On November 12, 2002, the replica of the digital edition of the Chinese Map
during the Ming Dynasty was exhibited in a map exhibition entitled "African
Outlook'', held by the National Assembly of South Africa. Speaker Ginwala,
Deputy Speaker Mbete, Chairman Pandor of the Committee of the Provincial Affairs
of the National Assembly, the First Lady Siluota,as well as ministers from
Ministries of Tourism, Finance, Communications, Public Security, and leaders of
major parties attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition.
On November 15, 2002, at the invitation of the National Tourism Administration,
Deputy Minister Mbutafasi of South African Ministry of Tourism attended the
Shanghai International Tourism Fair, and met with Deputy Director of the
National Tourism Administration Sun Gang. The two sides signed the Memorandum on
the Implementation Plan of Chinese Citizens' Organized Visits to South Africa.
On November 21, 2002, Deputy Director Wang Baoliang of the State Sport General
Administration visited South Africa and signed with South African Ministry of
Sport the Memorandum on the Cooperation of Sports between China and South
Africa.
From November 22 to 28, 2002, the "Chinese Films Festival'', co-sponsored
by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, the Chinese Embassy
in South Africa, South African Ministry of Culture and Art, and the Film and
Video Foundation of South Africa, was respectively held in Pretoria and
Johannesburg, South Africa.
On March 11, 2003, the second meeting of the China-South African Joint
Scientific and Technological Commission was held in Pretoria, Capital of South
Africa. A Chinese delegation headed by Wu Zhongze, representative of the
Minister of Science and Technology and a major member of the ministry, visited
South Africa and attended the meeting. Wu held talks with Songjika, South
African Vice Minister of Science and Technology and the two signed the protocol
of the meeting.
From March 25 to 26, 2003, at the invitation of Ministry of Agriculture, Thoko
Msane, Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs of South Africa, visited China
and held separate talks with Minister of Agriculture Du Qinglin and Director Li
Changjiang of the State Bureau of Quality and Technical Supervision. The two
sides signed an accord on the Establishment of the Joint Agricultural
Cooperation Group.
On March 28, 2003, Deputy Director of the State Sport General Administration Yu
Zaiqing visited South Africa and met with Chairman Lamasami of the Olympic Games
of South Africa. The two sides discussed the expansion of cooperation between
the two countries in the field of sport.
On April 1, 2003, the Memorandum on the Implementation Plan of Chinese Citizens'
Organized Visits to South Africa officially came into force. A day later, the
first Chinese group of visit arrived at South Africa at its own expense.
The exchanges between China and South Africa at the provincial level have also
advanced smoothly. In 1998, Beijing and Gauteng, Shandong Provinceand West Cape
Town established sister-city relationship. In 2000, Nanjing of Jiangsu Province,
and Bloemfontein of Freedom Province, Guangzhou of Guangdong Province and Durban
of Kwzulu-Natal Province, Harbin of Helongjiang Province and Kamila of Gaudeng
Province, Zhejiang Province and East Cape Town, and Anhui Provinceand North
Province, and Shanghai and Kwzulu-Natal Province officially signed agreements of
friendship province or city relationship. In 2001, Sichuanprovince signed a
sister-province agreement with province Guateng. Qingdao city of Shangdong
province, Baotou city of Inner Mogolian Autonomous Region, Harbin of
Heilongjiang province signed sister-city agreements respectively with South
African cities. Till May of 2003, there are 15 pairs of Chinese and South
African provinces and cities formally signing sister-province or sister-city
relations.
In 2001, there were 31 South Africa students studying in China.
4. Military Exchanges
In May 1998, Major General Luobin, Head of the Office of Foreign Affairs of the
Ministry of National Defense of China, paid a visit to South Africa. In
November, General Chi Haotian, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission
of the CPC Central Committee, State councilor and Minister of National Defense,
paid an official visit to South Africa. In the same month, Major General Fu
Zhenguo of the General Armament Department of the People's Liberation Army (PLA),
on behalf of Ci Haotian, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the
CPC Central Committee, and Fu Quanyou, the Chief of General Staff of the PLA,
attended the 1998 Defense Exhibition of South Africa.
From June 3 to 9, 2000, at the invitation of Chi Haotian, Vice Chairman of the
Central Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee, State Councilor and
Minister of National Defense, South African Minister of Defense P. Lekota paid
an official visit to China. Vice President and Vice Chairman of the Central
Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee Hu Jintao met with Lekota. Vice
Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee Chi
held talks with Letota on bilateral relations, international situation, and
military exchanges between the two countries. Lekota also brought his visit to
Shanghai.
From August 9 to 13, 2000, Major General Huang Jiang, the Chief of General Staff
of the South China Sea Fleet, PLA, led a navy fleet to visit South Africafor the
first time. The fleet received a warn welcome from the local Chinese circles.
From September 4 to 11, 2000, Deputy Chief of the General Armament Department of
the PLA, Chen Dazhi led a logistics delegation to participate in South African
aviation and defense exhibition. During the visit, South African Minister of
Defense Lekota, and General Niyanda, Commander of the South African Armed
Forces, met with the delegation respectively.
In April 2000, Chinaand South Africaalso signed an agreement on police
cooperation.
From August 19 to 25, 2001, at the invitation of the Ministry of National
Defense, General Niyanda, commander of the South African Armed Forces visited
China, and met with Chi Haotian, Vice Chairman of the Central Military
Commission of the CPC Central Committee, State Councilor, and Minister of
National Defense. Fu Quanyou, member of the Central Military Commission of CPC
Central Committee, and Chief of General Staff of the PLA, held talks with
Niyanda.
From November 20 to 25, 2001, at the invitation of Commander Niyanda, General Fu
Quanyou, member of the Central Military Commission of CPC Central Committee,
Chief of General Staff of the PLA, visited South Africa, and met with President
Mbeki.
From October 21 to 26, 2001, at invitation of the Headquarters of the General
Staff of the PLA, Romano, Commander of the South African Army visited China, and
met with Chi Haotian, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the
CPC Central Committee, State Councilor and Minister of National Defense, and Fu
Quanyou, member of the Central Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee,
and Chief of General Staff of the PLA Fu Quanyou. Deputy Chief of General Staff
Guo Boxiong held talks with him.
From April 2 to 4, 2002, South African Vice Minister of Defense Ruteleshi and
Major General Roshili were invited to attend the Symposium on International
Disarmament co-sponsored by the United Nations (UN) Disarmament Program and the
Disarmament Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China.
From June 18 to 22, 2002, General Cao Gangchuan, member of the Central Military
Commission of the CPC Central Committee, and Director of the General Armament
Department of the PLA led a PLA delegation to South Africa. South African
Minister of Defense P. Lekota, Vice Minister Ruterosi met with delegation
respectively. Lieutenant General Mazitama of the South African Allied Equipment
Department held talks with General Cao.
From April 7 to 10, 2003, the first meeting of China-South African Defense
Commission was convened in South Africa. Xiong Guangkai, Deputy Chief of General
Staff of the PLA and Mashilela, Secretary of South African Ministry of Defense
attended the meeting. The two signed the Agreement on the Establishment of the
Defense Commission between the Ministries of the People's Republic of Chinaand
the Republicof South Africa. Xiong also met with Commander of the South African
Army Nyanda and Vice Minister of Defense Ruteleshi.
From May 5 to 9, 2003, at the invitation of General Niyanda, Commander of the
South African Army, General Xiong Guankai, member of the Central Military
Commission of the CPC Central Committee, Chief of General Staff of the PLA, led
a military delegation to officially visit South Africa. Xiong held talks with
General Niyanda and met with South African Vice President Zuma and Minister of
Defense Lekota.
5. Important Agreements and Documents
On December 30, 1997, China and South Africa signed "the Joint Communiqu¨¦
between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of
the Republic of South Africa on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations".
In April 2000, China and South Africa signed "the Pretoria Declaration on
the Establishment of the Partnership Between the People's Republic of China and
the Republic of South Africa". In December 2001, China and South Africa
signed "the Exchange of Notes on the Establishment of Bi-National
Commission between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the
Government of the Republic of South Africa".
Source: www.fmprc.gov.cn