Jointly Cultivate a Friendly Tree Country between China and South Africa | South Africa | Two Countries

Looking back at the past, the reason why China South Korea relations have remained stable and far-reaching is because the two countries have always maintained a high level of political mutual trust, adhered to mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. The friendly cooperation between China and South Korea is like a towering tree with fruitful results. The "sunshine, rain, and dew" from various fields constantly nourish this tree and continue to create benefits for the people of both countries.

Political guidance is the sunshine that illuminates the friendship between China and South China.The leaders of the two countries maintain close exchanges and interactions on bilateral and multilateral occasions, guiding the development of China South relations. The leaders of the two countries have reached a consensus to examine and develop China South relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, viewing each other as the strategic pivot and priority direction of their respective foreign policies. South African President Ramaphosa stated that South Africa attaches great importance to the strong and high-level strategic partnership between South and China, and is deeply proud of it.

Sharing weal and woe is the "root" of stable China South friendship. As early as in the common struggle against imperialism, colonialism, and racism, the Central and Southern parties and the people of both countries have formed a deep friendship like comrades. After the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1998, the special friendly relationship between comrades and brothers between China and South Korea continued to deepen. In recent years, in the struggle against natural disasters, major epidemics, and power crises, central and southern regions have fought side by side and overcome difficulties together. South Africa's Minister of Electricity, Ramokopa, stated that South Africa has contacted multiple countries to seek help in dealing with the electricity crisis, and only China has responded positively and provided assistance to South Africa. The towering tree of friendship between China and South China is rooted in the true feelings of adversity, so it is fearless of wind and rain and has withstood the test of time and international changes.

Economic and trade cooperation is the "nutrient" for cultivating friendship between China and South Africa. With the continuous consolidation of the political foundation of China South cooperation, the economic and trade exchanges between the two countries have become increasingly close. China has remained the largest trading partner of South Africa for 14 consecutive years. In the first half of this year, the trade volume between China and South Africa reached 28.25 billion US dollars, a year-on-year increase of 11.7%. South Africa is one of the largest investment destinations for China in Africa, with Chinese companies investing over 25 billion US dollars in South Africa and creating 400000 job opportunities. South African Minister of Trade and Industry Patel stated that South Africa regards China as its most important economic and trade partner and highly appreciates the positive role played by Chinese enterprises in South Africa's economic and social development. In practical cooperation, China and South Korea benefit from mutual benefit and common development, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries and nurturing and strengthening the seedlings of China South friendship.

Cultural exchange is the rain and dew that nourishes the friendship between China and South China. South Africa has the largest number of Confucius Institutes and classrooms on the African continent, and the "Chinese fever" continues to heat up in South Africa. Meanwhile, South Africa is also the sub Saharan African country that attracts the most Chinese tourists and has established the most friendly provinces and cities with China. In May of this year, the 57th World Table Tennis Championships were held in Durban, South Africa. Chinese table tennis coaches made a special trip to the training ground of the South African team to provide advice and suggestions for South Africa's preparation for the World Table Tennis Championships. As the saying goes, "the friendship between countries lies in mutual affinity between the people." When you come and I go, close civil exchanges are like the dripping rain and dew, providing continuous and rich nourishment for the friendship between China and South China.

Multilateral cooperation is a fruitful result of China South friendship. China and South Africa are both important developing countries in the world, and their friendship has long surpassed the scope of bilateral relations. The two countries uphold the same or similar views on development, security, and international order, and have broad consensus on major international and regional issues. In the frameworks of international organizations and multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, the G20, the BRICS, and the Forum on China Africa Cooperation, China and South Africa are one of the closest partners, always united and closely cooperating, coordinating all parties to jointly promote inclusive growth of the world economy and a more just and reasonable international order. South African Vice President Masatile stated that the South is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with China within multilateral mechanisms, promote multilateralism, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries. It is precisely because of the high-level bilateral relations that China and South Korea are able to work hand in hand on the international stage and play an important role in global governance.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa, as well as the BRICS "South Africa Year". I believe that under the leadership of the two heads of state, the development of China South relations will usher in a new climax and face new opportunities. The special friendly relationship of "comrades and brothers" will be closer and closer, and all-round mutually beneficial cooperation will demonstrate stronger vitality and resilience. As a model of China Africa relations, South South cooperation, and cooperation with emerging market countries, China South relations are sure to generate a positive effect of "one plus one greater than two", bringing more benefits to the development and progress of all humanity.