China Endorses South Africa’s G20 Presidency Amid Africa’s Spotlight
As South Africa prepares to assume the rotating leadership of the G20 this year, China has reaffirmed its strong backing for Pretoria’s stewardship of the global forum. The upcoming G20 Summit, to be held 22–23 November at the Nasrec Expo in Johannesburg, will mark the first time the summit convenes on African soil.
Under the banner “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” the summit aims to foreground issues such as inclusive development, food security, and the regulation of artificial intelligence. These priorities reflect South Africa’s efforts to uplift the voice of the Global South and advance solutions suited to developing economies. President Cyril Ramaphosa has portrayed the summit as a pivotal moment for focusing international attention on shared challenges across Africa and the broader developing world.
In remarks delivered at a celebration of China’s 76th National Day in Johannesburg, Chinese Consul General Pan Qingjiang described the China-South Africa relationship as “comrades plus brothers,” observing that the two nations are joint defenders of southern interests. He said the strategic cooperative partnership, under the leadership of their respective presidents, has continuously produced new results.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has also publicly supported South Africa’s G20 role, acknowledging the symbolic significance of an African nation leading discussions on global governance. He noted that China is ready to strengthen political trust, deepen economic cooperation, and expand people-to-people ties, all while amplifying the Global South’s voice in international affairs.
Beijing’s support arrives amid shifting global dynamics. South Africa sits uniquely as both a BRICS member and a G20 chair, able to bridge platforms that link emerging economies with dominant powers. Analysts note that China views South Africa as a critical partner in pushing for reforms to global economic governance and increasing Africa’s representation in major decision-making bodies.
Still, Pretoria must navigate delicate diplomatic currents. The U.S. has raised objections to South Africa’s foreign-policy stances, including concerns about expropriation and alignment with non-Western states. Former U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, for example, declined to attend some G20 meetings, accusing South Africa of anti-American behaviour.
Deeper Significance: China’s Support and the China–South Africa Bond
China’s vocal endorsement of South Africa’s G20 presidency is more than ceremonial. It underlines several strategic dynamics in their evolving partnership:
Mutual Prestige & Legitimacy
China gains a stake in reinforced legitimacy when a key African partner leads a major global forum, lending Beijing soft-power prestige as a champion of the Global South. For South Africa, China’s backing helps deflect criticism and strengthens its international standing.
Bridge to Africa & Global South Coordination
South Africa becomes a conduit for framing continental priorities in global negotiations.
Deepening Strategic Partnership
Beijing’s support signals confidence in the all-round strategic, cooperative partnership it shares with Pretoria. China is signalling a willingness to invest further, politically, economically, and institutionally, in South Africa’s success.
Counterweight to Western Influence
As tensions rise between China and Western powers, especially the U.S., South Africa’s G20 leadership with Chinese support offers an alternative global narrative, one less cantered on Western frames. It helps diversify South Africa’s diplomatic alignments.
Long-term Influence & Dependence
Finally, Chinese support reinforces patterns of interdependence. As South Africa leans on Chinese backing in global forums, it may strengthen China’s leverage in bilateral negotiations, on trade, infrastructure, investment, or technology partnerships.
In sum, China’s backing is not simply political solidarity; it is has a long-term focus on cooperation.