On September 23, 2014, the Chinese embassy in South Africa held a reception celebrating the 65th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Among the 400 plus guests present were SA government officials, including Minister Lindiwe Zulu of Small Business Development, Deputy Minister Obed Bapela of Cooperative Government and Tradition, Deputy Minister Buti Manamela in the Presidency, Ms. Maki Mandela, elder daughter of late President Nelson Mandela, people of various circles, heads of foreign missions and representatives from the local Chinese community.

On behalf of Ambassador Tian Xuejun, Charge D'Affaire ad interim Mr. Yang Yirui extended warm welcome to all the guests. According to Mr. Yang, today's China enjoys a sound and stable economic and social environment, the people are living a better life, and the country's international status and influence have been steadily elevated. He emphasized 3 pieces of valuable experience the Chinese people have drawn over the past 65 years. Firstly, development is the key to solve all the problems in China. Secondly, reform and opening-up is the impetus of China's development. Thirdly, stability is the basic prerequisite for development.

On China-Africa relations, Mr. Yang pointed out that Africa occupied an important place in China's diplomatic strategy. Last year, President Xi Jinping and premier Li Keqiang visited Africa and put forward many concrete measures to promote China's relations with African countries, fully demonstrating the importance attached by China to Africa.

On China-SA relationship, Mr. Yang congratulated SA people and government on the achievements they have made over the past 20 years. "The bilateral relations are in the best period of history. The political mutual trust is on high level, practical cooperation fruitful, people to people exchanges brisk, and the cooperation and coordination in international and regional affairs very close". Mr. Yang especially mentioned, "this year is the SA Year in China, with more than 50 activities already been held in China. Next year will be the China Year in SA, which will further deepen the understanding and friendship between the two countries". He expressed full confidence that the bilateral relations would be pushed forward at even higher level.

Minister Zulu applauded the phenomenal achievements of China since the past 65 years, which provided an example on how developing countries can alleviate poverty, unemployment and inequality.

The minister expressed satisfaction with the bilateral relations, with SA and China remaining firm in their collective commitment to build, develop and strengthen bilateral relations on shared principles of friendship and mutual trust, equality and mutual benefit, coordination, mutual learning and working together for development. She said, "since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1998, impressive growth have been achieved in the political and economic relations, accelerating from Partnership to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in just 15 years". The minister described the bilateral relations as vibrant, deepening and constantly expanding, continuing to enjoy strategic focus and priority in both countries' respective foreign policies. Minister Zulu praised the local Chinese community as an integral part of the diverse and culturally rich SA, and she expressed her hope for further enhancement of the bilateral relations, citing the Chinese proverb, 'when people work with one mind, they can even move Mount Taishan'.

The reception was fully immersed in a festival atmosphere. The guests expressed their congratulations to China's success and their confidence to its future development. They were also exited about the development of China-SA relations.

The reception was held one day ahead of SA's Heritage Day. To celebrate the Heritage Day and show its support to SA's cultural heritage, the embassy invited the Ramokokastad Cultural Group from a village in North West Province to welcome the guests with traditional African dances. The embassy also donated a batch of dancing dress and shoes to the group to support their efforts on traditional heritage preservation.

A brief performance of Chinese martial arts and folk music was also presented to the guests.

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