Your Excellency Kgalema Motlanthe, Former President of the Republic of South Africa,

Honorable Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism of the Republic of South Africa,

Distinguished guests, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Friends,

Good afternoon!

Tomorrow, October 1, will be the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. It gives me great pleasure to welcome friends from all walks of life to celebrate with us this special occasion, as well as the enduring friendship between China and South Africa.

On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, I sincerely thank all friends who support China’s development and China-South Africa relations. I also extend my warmest greetings to all Chinese compatriots in South Africa.

Seventy-seven years have witnessed both trials and triumphs, and hard work and fruitful achievements.

From embarking on the socialist revolution and construction in 1949, to launching reform and opening up and a new era of socialist modernization in 1978, and then entering a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics in 2012, China has come a long way through hard work and perseverance. We have achieved remarkable progress and opened new prospects for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

These achievements have been made possible under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China. This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. Throughout its history, the CPC has remained true to its founding aspiration and mission, which is to seek happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation. It has united and led the Chinese people in creating two miracles—the rapid economic development and long-term social stability. Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics continues to demonstrate tremendous vitality and vigor.

Along this journey China made breakthroughs in scientific and technological innovation and steady improvement in people’s lives. Last year, China’s GDP surpassed the 140 trillion yuan threshold for the first time. This year, China brought into effect The Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, providing stronger legal safeguards for all 56 ethnic groups to share the fruits of Chinese modernization. As China embarks on the 15th Five-Year Plan, we will continue to forge ahead along the Chinese path to modernization and build a strong country which can contribute more to world peace and prosperity.

Ladies, Gentlemen and Dear Friends,

The African spirit of Ubuntu tells us, “I am because we are.” China shares this belief. We believe China’s development and the development of the world reinforce each other.

China is now a major trading partner of more than 160 countries and regions. The Belt and Road Initiative now covers more than 150 partner countries. We remain committed to high-standard opening up, high-quality development and world peace. Through our own development, we are bringing greater stability and certainty to the world economy.

China has always stood on the side of peace, on the side of dialogue, and on the right side of history. We remain committed to promoting peace through talks, addressing both the symptoms and root causes of conflicts, and actively exploring solutions with Chinese characteristics to hot-spot issues.

President Xi Jinping has put forward the four Global Initiatives, contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to addressing the common challenges facing humanity.

The International Organization for Mediation has officially commenced operations. The World Data Organization and the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization have been established in China one after another.

From Chinese proposals to international practice, the Global Governance Initiative is contributing to efforts to build a more just and equitable global governance system.

Ladies, Gentlemen and Dear Friends,

China and Africa may be thousands of miles apart, but we have always been good friends, good partners and good brothers, sharing a common future.

On May 1 this year, China implemented zero tariffs on 100 percent of tariff lines for products from the 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China. This is about reducing tariffs, expanding trade, improving people’s livelihoods. China’s vast market is opening its doors wider to Africa.

Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Cyril Ramaphosa, the China-South Africa Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the New Era has continued to deepen. 

China and South Africa always support each other’s core interests. The Taiwan question is China’s internal affair. It is at the very core of China’s core interests. We highly appreciate South African government’s long-standing commitment to the one-China policy.

Earlier this year, Vice President Han Zheng and Deputy President Paul Mashatile co-chaired the ninth plenary session of the China-South Africa Bi-National Commission, reaching broad consensus on advancing cooperation in key areas. The cake of cooperation between our two countries is growing bigger and bigger.

China has remained South Africa’s largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years. Our bilateral trade has surpassed 53.5 billion dollars. China also contributed over 11.7 billion dollars in direct investment in South Africa.

Earlier this month, China and South Africa signed Protocol for the Export of South African Cherries to China. I myself attended the signing ceremony in Beijing and witnessed this great example of our growing cooperation. More South African products are entering the Chinese market, while Chinese companies are supporting local industries and creating jobs in South Africa.

China and South Africa are both important members of the Global South. We share similar positions on major international issues and work closely to uphold world peace and promote development. 

In July this year, South Africa joined the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, an initiative proposed by China. Together, China and South Africa are working with the international community to promote the sound development of artificial intelligence and ensure that its benefits reach developing countries more broadly.

As China and South Africa will successively hold BRICS chairmanship over the next two years, we stand ready to work together to take BRICS to new heights and bring greater opportunities to the Global South.

Ladies, Gentlemen and Dear Friends,

Looking ahead, with China’s zero-tariff policy as a new engine and the 15th Five-Year Plan as a fresh opportunity, China and South Africa will work together to build a high-level China-South Africa community with a shared future and make greater contributions to peace, development and prosperity.

May I propose a toast:

To the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China!

To the bright future of the China-South Africa Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the New Era!

And to the health and happiness of all our distinguished guests and your families!

Cheers!

Thank you.