Chinese President Xi Jinping began his visit to South Africa on Tuesday with a round of bilateral diplomacy with his host Cyril Ramaphosa.
The two leaders met for talks in the capital Pretoria where Xi declared that relations between the two countries are entering a “golden era.”
The president promised Ramaphosa that China would help to narrow the trade deficit by importing more South African goods. Xi also provided assurances China would invest more in SA.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? South Africa remains China’s largest trading partner in Africa and a crucial hub for its commercial operations in the country. Ramaphosa in particular and the ruling ANC party more broadly, have also emerged as important supporters of China’s international positions, particularly on sensitive issues like Huawei.
SUGGESTED READING:
- South China Morning Post: Xi Jinping hails ‘golden era’ in China-South Africa relations amid Brics summit by Liu Zhen
- Xinhua: Xi’s visit cements “golden era” of China-South Africa ties
