Chinese ambassador to SA Chen Xiaodong says the two countries should forge stronger diplomatic ties going forward, adding that was the view that came out of the 20th congress of the National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
Xi Jinping secured a third term at the weekend after a four-day national congress.
Speaking at the Chinese embassy in Pretoria on Thursday, ambassador Xiaodong said his country was ready to strengthen practical cooperation with SA under the Belt and Road Initiative (Bri) and the Forum on China-Africa Co-operation (Focac) to focus on new sectors such as the digital economy, high-tech, e-commerce, smart cities and clean energy.
“We are ready to work to see more projects under Focac’s nine programmes implemented here in South Africa,” Xiaodong said.
“Third, it is important to enhance international collaboration. China and South Africa are both important developing countries. We have the same or similar views on the international order and global governance.
“China is ready to continue to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with South Africa and firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and our common interests.
“China will fully support South Africa’s Brics chairship next year. We will work to strengthen Brics mechanisms and Brics cooperation in various fields for more concrete results.
“The CPC is ready to join hands with the ANC, the SACP and other parties to explore development paths that are in line with our respective national conditions, and to usher in a new era of China-South Africa cooperation and friendship,” Xiaodong said.
Thursday's event was attended by ANC treasurer-general Paul Mashatile as well as a several ministers who included basic education minister Angie Motshekga and social development minister Lindiwe Zulu. ANC bigwig Mathole Motshekga was also in attendance.
Mashatile said the ANC, which was heading to its 55th national conference in December, would draw lessons from the CPC national congress.
“Like the CPC we’ll use this occasion to reflect on progress made on our historic mission which is total liberation of the people of South Africa. We’ll also take time to reflect on our resolutions of the 54th national congress.
“Accordingly, we’ve no doubt at the end of our own conference, we’ll emerge with renewed hope on the future of our country, assertively with challenges of our people, and an ANC that hopes to stay true to its fundamental purpose of serving people,” he said.
Speaking on the sidelines of the dialogue, Mashatile said it was unlikely that the Free State and Western Cape would convene their provincial conferences before the national conference in December.
“You’ll recall the Western Cape and Free State were already behind with their conferences but they are preparing for national conference so those processes are running parallel. Even if they don’t go to conference, their branches will go to the national conference.
“We’re watching that space and we’re assisting them. The first prize for us is for them to go to conference before national but it won’t be a train smash if they didn't because the branches will be in any event going,” said Mashatile.
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