Deputy President Paul Mashatile's office has described his meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang as an opportunity to further South Africa’s strategic goals in trade, investment, industrialisation, multilateral cooperation, and governance, while strengthening political and diplomatic relations with China.
The two leaders met during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on Sunday, during which Mashatile emphasised South Africa’s readiness to expand value-added exports, attract greater Chinese investment in beneficiation, manufacturing, renewable energy and digital sectors.
He added the integration of South African firms into Chinese and global value chains for inclusive growth and job creation, especially for the youth.
After President Cyril Ramaphosa’s China state visit in September and Mashatile’s in July, this high-level engagement aimed to strengthen and enhance the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era.
G20 leaders have reached an overwhelming consensus to adopt the declaration during the G20 Leaders’ Summit held at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.
Mashatile expressed gratitude for China’s substantial financial and developmental support for South Africa's G20 Presidency and its other initiatives.
He highlighted its generous donations of R5.34 million to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, as well as an additional R36.8 million to support South Africa’s G20 Presidency and Summit.
During a meeting with Ramaphosa on Friday before the G20 Leaders’ Summit, Li expressed readiness to partner with Pretoria in protecting the multilateral trading system and advancing the prompt implementation of a zero-tariff policy for South African products.
South Africa is to participate in the 4th Session of the South Africa-China High-Level People-to-People Exchange Mechanism and the 13th South Africa-China Strategic Dialogue in Beijing in December.
Following this, in March 2026, South Africa will host China for the Bi-National Commission (BNC). – SAnews.gov.za
