China Signals Stronger Partnership with South Africa, Offers Expanded Market Access and Investment Support
China is prepared to work closely with South Africa to strengthen political trust and deepen cooperation across key sectors, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Sunday.
Li delivered the remarks during a meeting with South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile on the sidelines of the G20 Summit.
He described China and South Africa as long-standing partners with a “deep friendship,” noting that President Xi Jinping and President Cyril Ramaphosa agreed in Beijing last year to elevate bilateral relations.
Li said China is ready to advance that momentum by aligning development strategies, expanding market access for South African goods, and pushing forward the early rollout of zero-tariff treatment for African countries with diplomatic ties to China.
He added that Beijing supports more Chinese companies investing in South Africa, especially in new energy, automobiles, healthcare, the digital economy and infrastructure. Strengthening these areas, he said, would help upgrade bilateral cooperation and support the modernization goals of both countries.
Li also encouraged South Africa to ensure better protection for Chinese enterprises operating in the country.
He stressed that China–South Africa cooperation has long been central to broader China–Africa engagement and pledged closer coordination within frameworks such as the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation. China, he said, is committed to jointly delivering the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit and advancing shared development across the continent.
Li further called for enhanced multilateral collaboration, urging the two countries and the wider Global South to work together for a more just and equitable international order.
