Wang: China ready to work with South Africa against law of the jungle and hegemonism

China stands ready to work together with South Africa and other countries in the Global South to oppose the law of the jungle and hegemonism, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday in a phone call with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola.

China firmly supports South Africa in playing a more prominent role in international affairs and is ready to collaborate with Global South nations to uphold the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and safeguard the legitimate interests of developing countries, Wang said.

He emphasized China's willingness to maintain high-level exchanges with the Global South, expand inter-party dialogues, strengthen strategic mutual trust, and deepen pragmatic cooperation.

Wang also noted China's commitment to promoting the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African exports in South Africa. Both sides should well organize the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges to consolidate public support for China-South Africa and broader China-Africa friendship, he added.

Lamola welcomed Wang's visit to Africa in the new year and expressed appreciation for China's support in hosting the 20th Group of 20 Summit last year.

He reaffirmed the country's adherence to the one-China principle and expressed the willingness to further advance bilateral ties. South Africa is committed to working with China to defend multilateralism, uphold the core position of the United Nations, and safeguard international fairness and justice, Lamola added.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern.