China, S. Africa set to strengthen ties, amplifying Global South voices

Bilateral ties lifted to new level

The state visit coincides with the two countries' 25th anniversary of diplomatic ties and marks Xi's fourth trip to South Africa as Chinese President.

Xi received the Order of South Africa from Ramaphosa on Tuesday. During their meeting, the two leaders agreed to push for greater development of the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era.

Dakota Legoete, a member of the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress, told Xinhua that he expected the South Africa-China win-win cooperation in terms of "economic development, people-to-people exchanges, and inter-countries relations to be strengthened."

As the first African country to sign the Belt and Road cooperation document with China, South Africa has been China's biggest trading partner in Africa for 13 years in a row, as well as one of the African countries with the largest stock of Chinese investment, which has risen to 10 billion U.S. dollars.

More than 200 Chinese companies in South Africa have created over 400,000 local jobs and South African companies are also racing to invest in the Chinese market to seize its abundant business opportunities.

With deepening trade relations between the two countries, South Africa's wines, rooibos tea, and aloe vera gels are trending products in China. On Tuesday, Xi said that China is ready to import more quality products from South Africa and will continue to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in South Africa.

The Belt and Road Initiative has also facilitated investment in South Africa's infrastructure, including ports, railways, and roads. The improved transportation networks have enhanced trade within the country and strengthen its position as a regional trade hub.