China and South Africa Reaffirm Commitment to Multilateralism, Strengthen Strategic Ties

11 january 2026, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a telephone conversation on Saturday with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, during which both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to multilateralism, South-South cooperation and the deepening of bilateral relations.

Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, extended congratulations to South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) on the occasion of its 114th anniversary, expressing confidence that the party will continue to guide the country through external challenges toward national development and renewal.

The Chinese foreign minister emphasized that China is prepared to maintain close high-level engagement with South Africa, expand cooperation between political parties, strengthen strategic trust and advance practical collaboration across multiple sectors. He highlighted China’s intention to support South Africa’s economic growth, including through the implementation of zero-tariff policies for African countries, aimed at improving trade opportunities and benefiting local communities.

Wang also called for both nations to ensure the success of the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, noting that stronger cultural and social ties are essential for sustaining long-term friendship and cooperation between China, South Africa and the broader African continent.

Reflecting on international developments, Wang praised South Africa for its successful hosting of the G20 Leaders’ Summit last year, despite significant external challenges. He reaffirmed China’s support for South Africa’s growing role in global affairs and stressed that both countries, together with other Global South partners, should work to uphold the principles of the United Nations Charter, resist hegemonism and protect the interests of developing nations.

In response, Minister Lamola welcomed Wang’s visit to Africa at the start of the new year and expressed appreciation for China’s ongoing support for South Africa’s development and its assistance to African countries more broadly. He reaffirmed South Africa’s firm adherence to the one-China principle and underscored Pretoria’s desire to further strengthen political trust, expand cooperation and enhance people-to-people exchanges with China.

Lamola also reiterated South Africa’s commitment to multilateralism, the central role of the United Nations and the pursuit of international fairness and justice, adding that South Africa looks forward to advancing its comprehensive strategic partnership with China in the years ahead.

The two officials additionally exchanged views on key international and regional issues of shared concern, signaling continued coordination on global challenges.