Cape Town – Deputy President Paul Mashatile says the South Africa–China Bi-National Commission remains the central platform guiding cooperation between the two countries.
Mashatile made the remarks while hosting Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and his delegation at Tuynhuys in Cape Town on Thursday, during the ninth session of the bilateral commission.
He noted that the commission, established through the Pretoria Declaration in 2000, continues to serve as the apex mechanism for consolidating relations and providing strategic direction for the implementation of the 10-year Strategic Programme for Cooperation, which runs from 2020 to 2029.
Mashatile also highlighted that 2026 marks 28 years since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China.
He said while South Africa maintains strong ties with various global partners and participates in multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, G20, BRICS and the International Criminal Court, its relationship with China has grown increasingly significant.
Speaking under the theme of advancing shared modernisation, Mashatile emphasised the importance of adapting to a rapidly changing global environment while promoting inclusive growth, industrial development and technological progress.
He pointed to the expanding footprint of Chinese investment in South Africa, citing projects such as the Hyacinth Industrial Park in Atlantis, Cape Town, as examples of how cooperation can support job creation, skills development and local economic growth.
Mashatile said there is further potential to deepen collaboration in infrastructure development, particularly in modernising ports, rail and road networks to unlock economic growth and enhance regional integration.
He added that South Africa’s foreign policy remains guided by national interests, with a focus on improving the lives of its citizens through inclusive economic growth.
“In this regard, South Africa remains committed to ensuring that its partnership with China delivers practical outcomes that improve the lives of its people and contribute to sustainable development in both our countries,” he said.