South Africa Reaffirms Commitment to Deepening Strategic Partnership with China
Shanghai, The Gulf Observer: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening relations with China, describing the longstanding friendship between the two nations as an important foundation for expanding bilateral cooperation.
In a message delivered by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Professor Blade Nzimande at the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum in Shanghai, President Ramaphosa expressed appreciation for the goodwill and support extended by the Chinese people toward the South Africa–China friendship.
South Africa is participating in this year’s forum as the Country of Honour, becoming the first African nation to receive the designation. The recognition provides an opportunity for South Africa to showcase its scientific, technological and innovation capabilities while further expanding cooperation with China.
South Africa’s participation coincides with the commemoration of 28 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Over the years, bilateral ties have developed into a comprehensive partnership encompassing trade, investment, infrastructure, education, science, technology and innovation.
President Ramaphosa emphasized that international platforms such as the Pujiang Innovation Forum can play an important role in promoting new partnerships and advancing innovation-driven development and industrialisation.
He stressed that international cooperation should ultimately contribute to improving living standards, addressing poverty and promoting sustainable development.
The President also welcomed the forum’s focus on global cooperation and expressed South Africa’s support for multilateral approaches to addressing common global challenges.
South Africa and China maintain cooperation through a range of bilateral and multilateral mechanisms, including the South Africa–China Bi-National Commission and BRICS.
In March 2026, the two countries held the ninth session of the South Africa–China Bi-National Commission during Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng’s working visit to South Africa. The session reviewed cooperation across multiple sectors and explored measures to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
Minister Nzimande is leading a delegation comprising South African scientists, researchers, innovators and senior representatives of the country’s National System of Innovation at the Pujiang Innovation Forum.
The delegation is expected to use the forum to highlight South Africa’s scientific and technological capabilities, establish new partnerships with Chinese counterparts and advance the country’s science, technology and innovation priorities.
Speaking to South African media representatives upon his arrival in China, Nzimande expressed optimism that the country’s participation would help secure new partnerships and further elevate South Africa’s scientific and innovation capabilities.
President Ramaphosa concluded his message by wishing the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum success and commending those involved in its organisation, underscoring the importance of the gathering in fostering international cooperation and innovation-led development.
