Deputy President Paul Mashatile held a bilateral meeting with the Communist Party of China Secretary of Shenzhen, Jin Lei, at the Futian Shangri-La Hotel in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, to discuss strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
According to the Presidency, the meeting engaged on the critical need to heighten trade, investment and friendship between South Africa and China.
It also affirmed Shenzhen's strategic location as the fastest-growing Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in China, which has risen to take its place amongst the notable metropolises in the region and the world.
The Presidency said Shenzhen's fortunes were defined by it being accorded the status of an SEZ, its wide-ranging reforms and a strong market system approach to economic development.
The Deputy President reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening its comprehensive strategic partnership with the People’s Republic of China and welcomed the growing practical cooperation between South Africa and Shenzhen, noting the important role played by the South Africa–China Shenzhen Chamber in advancing trade, investment and people-to-people relations.
“Deputy President Mashatile expressed confidence that Ambassador Letsatsi-Duba’s tour of duty in China would further strengthen the longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship between South Africa and China.
“He further reflected on recent high-level engagements undertaken during his visit to China, including discussions with Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing and his meeting earlier this week with the leadership of the International Department of the CPC,” the Presidency said.
These engagements followed the successful convening of the Ninth South Africa-China Binational Commission held in Cape Town in March 2026, which reaffirmed the depth and strategic nature of bilateral relations.
The Deputy President reiterated South Africa’s unwavering commitment to the One China Policy, as reaffirmed in the Joint Statement issued during President Ramaphosa’s State Visit to China in September 2024, and underscored South Africa’s intention to expand its diplomatic representation through the proposed establishment of a Consulate-General in Guangdong Province.
South Africa welcomed China’s decision to extend 100% duty-free market access to African countries, which took effect on 1 May 2026, noting with pride that it was the first country to export apples to China under this framework.
Deputy President Mashatile further welcomed the signing of the China-Africa Economic Partnership Agreement in February 2026 and emphasised the importance of concluding the Early Harvest Agreement currently under negotiation between South Africa and China to facilitate expanded access for South African products to the Chinese market.
In discussions on economic cooperation, the Deputy President highlighted several priority areas for enhanced collaboration, including the finalisation of the Early Harvest Agreement, progress on matters relating to the Southern African Customs Union framework, support for South Africa’s Trade and Investment Package (2025–2029), mobilisation of investments from Shenzhen, and the promotion of value-added South African exports to China.
Deputy President Mashatile reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to ensuring a conducive environment for Chinese nationals and businesses operating in the country.
He emphasised the importance of continued cooperation in addressing immigration-related challenges in a constructive manner.
“Concluding the meeting, the Deputy President reiterated South Africa’s determination to deepen the All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era and to translate the strong foundation of trust, solidarity and shared values between the two countries into tangible benefits for their respective peoples.
“South Africa looks forward to continuing high-level engagements and to advancing the implementation of decisions taken under the South Africa-China Binational Commission,” the Presidency said. -SAnews.gov.za
