Mashatile hails SA-China Bi-National Commission as apex cooperation

The 9th South Africa-China Bi-National Commission is taking place at Tuynhuys in Parliament

Deputy President Paul Mashatile says the establishment of the South Africa-China Bi‑National Commission, through the Pretoria Declaration of 2000, has become the apex mechanism guiding and consolidating cooperation between the two countries.

He welcomed the Chinese Vice President, Han Zheng, and his delegation to the Tuynhuys building in Cape Town on Thursday for the ninth meeting of the South Africa–China Bi-National Commission.

VISUALS | The 9th South Africa-China Bi National Commission (BNC) is taking place at Tuynhuys in Parliament today.

Chaired by Deputy President Paul Mashatile and his Chinese counterpart, Vice President Han Zheng, the bilaterals will focus on diplomacy, economic and trade… pic.twitter.com/RGTTasMc4J

— SABC News (@SABCNews) March 26, 2026

Mashatile emphasises that the forum remains highly relevant, providing strategic direction for the implementation of the ten-year Strategic Programme for Cooperation, running from 2020 to 2029.

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

“While South Africa maintains strong relations with all major global partners and actively participates in multilateral platforms, such as the United Nations, the G20, BRICS and the International Criminal Court, our partnership with China has become increasingly prominent and continues to compare favourably with our relations with other global partners.

“As we meet under the theme for advancing shared modernisation, we are invited to global partners to pass the support to a rapidly changing global environment while advancing inclusive growth, industrial development and technological progress. South Africa is also encouraged by the growing investment footprint of Chinese enterprises in South Africa. Investments such as the Hyacinth Industrial Park in Atlantis, Cape Town demonstrate the potential for industrial cooperation to drive job creation, skills development and local economic growth. We see significant potential to further expand cooperation in infrastructure development, particularly in the modernisation of ports, radio and road networks, which remain critical to unlocking economic growth and improving regional integration.

Mashatile says 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.”