China and South Africa Forge Ahead: A New Era of Growing Strategic Cooperation

In a powerful reaffirmation of diplomatic ties, China and South Africa officially elevated their bilateral relationship to an “All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era” on August 22, 2023, during the 15th BRICS Summit held in Johannesburg. This milestone, announced following a high-level meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Cyril Ramaphosa, cemented over 25 years of evolving cooperation since formal diplomatic relations began in January 1998. The upgraded partnership marked the beginning of a new phase of intensified collaboration, designed to reflect shared ambitions for economic growth, technological advancement, and multilateral diplomacy.

Strengthening Economic and Trade Ties
By the end of 2024, the bilateral trade volume had grown to over $60 billion, with China maintaining its position as South Africa’s largest global trading partner. South Africa’s export profile to China continues to diversify, with high-quality agricultural products such as beef, citrus, rooibos tea, and avocados gaining popularity among Chinese consumers. South African wines and seafood are now featured in several Chinese retail chains—helping small producers access one of the world’s largest markets.

Meanwhile, Chinese investment in South Africa reached a cumulative $27 billion by early 2025, with notable increases in sectors like green energy, digital infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and automotive assembly. Recent projects include a joint electric vehicle (EV) component plant in Gauteng, a solar panel manufacturing facility in Mpumalanga, and smart logistics upgrades at Durban and Gqeberha ports through Chinese-led technology partnerships.

Progress Through Strategic Agreements
Building on agreements signed in 2023, both nations have intensified cooperation in space technology, digital skills training, and agricultural modernization. In February 2025, China and South Africa co-hosted a Clean Energy Investment Conference in Cape Town, which drew investors from across Asia and Africa to explore financing solutions for wind and solar projects.

China’s experience in rural revitalization has also started to translate into action locally, with pilot villages in Limpopo and the Eastern Cape now benefiting from shared agricultural technology, community infrastructure, and educational support as part of bilateral knowledge-sharing programs.

Coordination on the Global Stage
As active members of BRICS+, China and South Africa have continued to champion reform of global governance structures to better represent the Global South. In 2025, the two nations jointly submitted proposals to the G20 Development Working Group, advocating for fairer financing mechanisms for low- and middle-income countries, as well as greater digital inclusion through South–South cooperation.

South Africa, as a rotating chair of the African Union Peace and Security Council, has also benefited from China’s support in peacebuilding, post-conflict reconstruction, and capacity building, particularly in East and Central Africa.

A Future-Forward Partnership
As China rolls out its Global Development Initiative (GDI) and Global Civilization Initiative, South Africa has emerged as a key partner in implementing these frameworks on the African continent. The partnership increasingly emphasizes mutual respect, non-interference, and win-win outcomes—principles that resonate deeply with both governments.

Looking ahead, the China–South Africa relationship continues to thrive as a model of inclusive, forward-looking cooperation. From sustainable development and innovation to cultural exchange and diplomatic coordination, this partnership is not only shaping the future of both countries—but also offering a powerful blueprint for global cooperation in the 21st century.