Today, October 1, marks the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Over the past 77 years, China has overcome numerous challenges and achieved remarkable progress. From the socialist revolution and development in 1949 to the reform and opening-up in 1978, China has made significant strides. The country has been led by the Communist Party of China, which has remained committed to its founding mission of pursuing happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation.
This year also marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. Under its leadership, China has achieved rapid economic development and long-term social stability. Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, China continues to demonstrate strong vitality and momentum. The country has consolidated its position as the world’s second-largest economy and made major advances in technological and industrial innovation, delivering substantial improvements in people’s living standards.
In recent years, China has made significant progress in various areas. The country’s GDP surpassed the 140-trillion-yuan mark, and the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress came into full implementation. This law provides stronger legal protection for all 56 ethnic groups to benefit from Chinese modernisation. China is now in the beginning of its 15th Five-Year Plan, which will advance the country’s development and rejuvenation.
China believes that its development and that of the wider world are mutually reinforcing. The country remains committed to greater openness and contributing stability and predictability to the global economy through high-quality development. China consistently stands for peace and dialogue, working to facilitate peace talks and seeking solutions that address both immediate challenges and their underlying causes. President Xi Jinping has put forward several initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative.
China and Africa have always enjoyed a close bond, with China considering Africa a good friend, partner, and brother with a shared future. Recently, China introduced zero-tariff treatment for all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, including South Africa. This move aims to expand bilateral trade, generate greater benefits for people’s livelihoods, and create more opportunities for Africa through access to the Chinese market.
The China-South Africa all-round strategic cooperative partnership has gained greater depth and substance under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Cyril Ramaphosa. Bilateral cooperation has continued to expand, with China being South Africa’s largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years. The stock of Chinese direct investment in South Africa exceeds US$11.7 billion, and bilateral trade surpasses US$53.5 billion. Recently, the two countries signed a phytosanitary protocol, paving the way for fresh South African cherries to enter the Chinese market.
As important members of the Global South, China and South Africa share broad common ground on major international issues and have long worked closely together in support of global peace and development. China looks forward to working with South Africa to deepen BRICS cooperation, bringing fresh opportunities and confidence to the Global South. China is ready to seize the opportunities presented by the 15th Five-Year Plan and harness the zero-tariff policy as a new driver of cooperation, opening a new chapter in building a high-level China-South Africa community with a shared future.
Key points
- China and South Africa have strengthened bilateral cooperation, with China being South Africa’s largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years.
- China has introduced zero-tariff treatment for all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, including South Africa.
- China and South Africa are set to assume the BRICS chairship successively over the next two years, looking to deepen BRICS cooperation.
