South Africa, China Look To Expand Cooperation In Infrastructure Development

With nearly 30 years of formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and China, government has identified significant potential to expand cooperation in infrastructure development, amid a growing investment footprint by Chinese enterprises in the country.

“We see significant potential to further expand cooperation in infrastructure development, particularly in the modernisation of ports, rail and road networks, which remain critical to unlocking economic growth and improving regional integration,” Deputy President Paul Mashatile said on Thursday in Cape Town. 

Mashatile is hosting his counterpart from the People’s Republic of China, Vice President Han Zheng, where both leaders are co-chairing the 9th South Africa-China Bi-National Commission (BNC). 

“Over nearly three decades, our bilateral relationship has grown in depth, scope and strategic importance, contributing meaningfully to economic development and reflecting our shared aspiration to accelerate development in both our countries,” Mashatile said.

He emphasised that the BNC remains relevant today and continues to provide strategic direction for the implementation of partnership, particularly under the Ten-Year Strategic Programme for Cooperation (2020–2029).

“Therefore, my hope for today is that this meeting will guide us in consolidating progress since the 8th session, help us identify priority areas for future cooperation, and strengthen sectoral collaboration.

“As we meet under the theme of advancing shared modernisation, we are reminded that our partnership must respond to a rapidly changing global environment, while advancing inclusive growth, industrial development and technological progress,” the Deputy President said.

He added that South Africa remains encouraged by the growing investment footprint of Chinese enterprises and is committed to ensuring that the partnership delivers practical outcomes that improve livelihoods and support sustainable development.

“South Africa’s approach to international relations remains guided by its national interest, which is to advance the development of its people through inclusive economic growth.

“In this regard, South Africa remains committed to ensuring that its partnership with China delivers practical outcomes that improve the lives of its people and contribute to sustainable development in both our countries,” Mashatile said.

South Africa and China continue to enjoy strong diplomatic relations, anchored in the All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era.

The Bi-National Commission (BNC), established at the Deputy Presidential level in 2000, remains the highest structured bilateral mechanism for consolidating diplomatic, economic and sectoral cooperation between the two countries.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile said the continued high-level engagements between the two nations reflect enduring friendship, mutual respect and a shared commitment to development. 

He noted that 2026 marks 28 years since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China.

“We recall with appreciation the strong momentum in our bilateral relations, including my Working Visit to China in July 2025, aimed at strengthening economic and trade cooperation, followed by the meeting held in November 2025 with Premier Li Qiang of the People’s Republic of China at the NH Hotel in Sandton which advanced South Africa’s strategic objectives in trade, investment, industrialisation, multilateral cooperation and governance,” the Deputy President said.

Mashatile added that since the establishment of the Bi-National Commission through the Pretoria Declaration in 2000, the platform has served as the apex mechanism guiding and consolidating cooperation between South Africa and China.