Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — In a move to strengthen ties and promote mutual growth, China has pledged its full support for South Africa’s unique path toward development. On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, promising to assist South Africa’s progress in any way possible.
Wang Yi emphasized the special role that both China and South Africa play as leading voices in the Global South. “As major developing countries, we have a shared responsibility to promote solidarity and protect the common interests of developing nations,” he said. “China firmly supports South Africa in choosing its own development path suited to its national conditions.”
He added that China is eager to work alongside African countries to promote self-reliance and unity. “By cooperating closely, we can ensure that our futures are firmly in our own hands,” Wang Yi remarked.
Minister Lamola expressed gratitude for China’s support and reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to the one-China principle. “We are keen to deepen our practical cooperation with China in areas like economy and trade, new energy, education, and capacity building,” he noted.
Addressing challenges faced by developing nations, Lamola highlighted how unilateral protectionism is disrupting global trade and threatening Africa’s sustainable development. “It’s crucial for countries in the Global South to enhance cooperation to overcome these obstacles,” he urged.
This meeting underscores the growing partnership between China and South Africa, as both nations seek to collaborate more closely and foster growth amid global economic challenges.
