1. Political relations

 

The People's Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa established diplomatic relations on January 1, 1998. Bilateral ties between the two countries have witnessed smooth development since then.

 

At the end of December 1997, Chinese Vice Premier and Foreign Minister Qian Qichen was invited to visit South Africa, and signed with South African Foreign Minister Alfred Nzo the joint communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

 

In April 1998, South African Vice President Thabo Mbeki visited China. In September of the same year, Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan was invited to South Africa to attend the 12th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit as an observer. In October, Speaker of South African National Assembly Frene Ginwala paid a visit to China.

 

In February 1999, Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao visited South Africa. South African President Nelson Mandela paid a state visit to China in May 1999. In June, the same year, Chinese Vice Premier Qian Qichen, as the special envoy of President Jiang Zemin, was invited to South Africa to attend the inaugural ceremony of President Thabo Mbeki. In November 1999, Li Peng, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, paid an official visit to South Africa.

 

From April 24 to 27, 2000 President Jing paid a state visit to South Africa at the invitation of South African President Mbeki. During the visit, Jiang held formal talks with Mbeki. The two presidents conducted an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral ties and international and regional issues and reached extensive consensuses. Jiang said that China and South African are both developing countries with significant influences in their own regions, insisting that maintaining the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, and promoting the establishment of a just and reasonable new international order are both countries' common goal. Jiang also said that the continuous expansion and deepening of bilateral friendly cooperation between China and South Africa not only conform to the two countries' long-term and fundamental interests, but also contribute to world peace and development. Mbeki expressed his thanks to the Chinese government and people for their long-term support for South Africa's struggle against apartheid. He said South Africa attaches great importance to its cooperation with China. Mbeki added that the establishment of bilateral strategic relations between China and South Africa will not only benefit both countries' cooperation in some concrete fields, but also benefit bilateral cooperation on a series of issues, such as globalization, world trade, financial systems, debt, as well as how developing countries can play a role in the establishment of a new international order. During the visit, Jiang also held separate meetings with former South African President Mandela, Vice President Zuma, Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa Frene Ginwala, Governor of Gaudeng Mbhazima Shilowa, and Moeckel, governor of the Western Cape. The two heads of state signed the Pretoria Declaration on the Partnership Between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa, and decided to set up a Bi-National Commission between the two countries. Besides, six other governmental agreements were signed by relevant department heads from both countries: the Agreement on Sea Transportation Between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa; the Cooperation Accord of Plant Quarantine Between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of South Africa; the Agreement of Animal Quarantine and Sanitary Cooperation Between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of South Africa; the Agreement of Cooperation in the Fields of Culture and Art Between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of South Africa; the Agreement on Avoidance of Dual Taxation and Evasion of Tax Between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of South Africa; the Agreement on Strengthening the Cooperation Between the Police of the People's Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa.

 

On January 14, 2000, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan sent a condolence telegram to his South African counterpart Zuma for the death of South African former Foreign Minister Alfred Nzo.

 

From February 23 to 26, 2000, Vice Foreign Minister Wang Guangya paid a stopover visit to South Africa and held consultation with his South African counterpart A. Pahad on issues of common concern, such as bilateral ties and human rights issue.

 

From February 24 to 29, 2000, Dai Bingguo, head of the International Liaison Department of Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), headed a delegation to South Africa at the invitation of the African National Congress of South Africa. During the visit, Dai met with Zuma, vice chairman of the congress and vice president of South Africa, and held talks with Nguniyam, director of the Chairman Office of the Congress, and Nzimande, general secretary of South African Communist Party. Dai also had a lunch with Zuma and met with Owen, minister of South African trade and industry and Macos, vice president of the South African Reserve Bank.

 

From March 23 to 26, 2000, South African Foreign Minister Zuma paid an official visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Tan Jiaxuan. His visit was mainly aimed at making preparations for President Jiang's state visit to South Africa. President Jiang and Foreign Minister Tang met with Zuma. Jiang sang highly of the fruits China-South African bilateral cooperation has achieved and its prospect, and said that China attaches much importance to its friendly cooperative relations with South Africa, a big power and important developing country in Africa. Jiang expressed his wishes that both sides should continue working to push forward bilateral ties of friendly cooperation. Zuma said South Africa highly values its relations with China and regards China as an important strategic partner of South Africa and even Africa as a whole. South Africa sees its cooperation with China as an important part of South-South cooperation. South Africa feels satisfactory with its rapid and full-fledged cooperation with China and hopes the two countries to further strengthen and expand cooperation. Tang and Zuma also exchanged views on mutual high-level visits, international and regional situation, South-South cooperation, and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

 

From June 14 to 17, 2000, Vice Foreign Minister Ji Peiding visited South Africa for consultations about the Ministerial Conference Beijing 2000 of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. During the visit, Ji met with South African Foreign Minister Zuma and they exchanged views on the forum and the relations between China and South Africa.

 

On June 26, 2000, Chinese Vice Premier Wen Jiabao met with South African Vice President Zuma at the sideline of the UN Special Assembly for Social Development convened in Geneva. Both sides exchanged views on bilateral ties, and international and social issues.

 

From July 1 to 6, 2000, Jia Qinglin, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Standing Committee, and secretary of Beijing municipal Party committee, headed a Party delegation to South Africa at the invitation of the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa and the Gaudeng provincial government. During the visit, Jia met with South African Vice President Zuma, and held separate talks with Mbhazima Shilowa, governor of Gaudeng Province, Motlanthe, general secretary of African National Congress of South Africa, and Nzimande, general secretary of the South African Communist Party. They exchanged views on the strengthening of the two parties as well as bilateral exchanges and economic and trade cooperation between Beijing and Gaudeng. The delegation also met with Ngali, mayor of the Great Pretoria, and Marllaika, chairman of the Municipal Administration Commission.

 

On August 30, 2000, Chairman Li Peng of the NPC Standing Committee met with Ginwala, speaker of the National Assembly of South African, during his attendance at the UN Millennium Parliamentary Assembly. The two parliament heads exchanged views on China-South African bilateral ties and the cooperation between the two parliaments in International Parliament Union.

 

From September 1 to 6, 2000, Sha Zukang, director of Department of Arms Control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, headed a delegation to South Africa for the first bilateral arms control consultation between the two countries.

 

On September 7, 2000, President Jiang, during his attendance at the UN Millennium Summit Meeting, had a breakfast with South African President Mbeki and other heads of developing countries. During the breakfast, Mbeki, representing participants, delivered a speech of thanks.

 

On September 15, 2000, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan met with his South African counterpart Zuma during his participation in the 55th UN General Assembly. The two ministers exchanged views on the establishment of a new international political and economic order, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, influences of the globalization upon developing countries, etc. At the preceding General Committee of the UN General Assembly, the South African delegation spoke in favor of the Chinese stance of opposing listing the resolution "Taiwan's return to the UN'' into the agenda of the UN General Assembly. It was the second time that South African delegation backed China on this issue following 1999.

 

From October 8 to 12, 2000, a South African delegation headed by Foreign Minister Zuma, and Alec Erwin, minister of trade and industry, attended the Ministerial Conference Beijing 2000 of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. During the meeting, Vice Foreign Minister Ji Peiding met with Zuma. Both sides exchanged views on issues of common concern, such as the development of bilateral relations and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, etc, and agreed to start the Bi-National Commission as soon as possible. Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Shi Guangsheng met with Erwin. The two ministers held discussions about a series of issues, such as China's offering more market access to South African non-commercial products, the two countries' disputes about intellectual property right, and China's accession into the World Trade Organization (WTO), etc.

 

On November 20, 2000, at the 55th UN General Assembly, South Africa voted in favor of the resolution, jointly put forward by China, Russia, Belarus, and Kyrghyz, to maintain and abide by the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM).

 

From November 22 to 26, 2000, at the invitation of the National Assembly of South Africa, Vice Chairman Tian Jiyun of the NPC Standing Committee paid an official visit to South Africa. Tian met with Ginwala, speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa, and held talks with Deputy Speaker Mbedi. The two sides reached a common consensus that strengthening inter-parliament exchanges between the two countries serves as an important channel for the enhancing of mutual understanding. They hoped the two parliaments and other special commissions strengthen exchanges, learn from each other, and enhance friendship, to play a role in promoting bilateral economic and trade development.

 

Other South African officials who visited China in 2000 are as follows: Jeff Ranebe, minister of public enterprises (May); Moeckel, governor of the West Cape (June); Mlaizihe, speaker of the Kwazulu-Natal Provincial Parliament (June); Thoko Msane, minister of agriculture and land affairs (August); Telike, governor of Freedom Province (September); Stofeil, governor of the East Cape Province (who visited China for participation into the International Meeting of Sister Cities held in September, 2000 in Beijing);Ben Ngubane, minister of art and technology (who attended the first China-South African Joint Scientific and Technological Commission held in October in Beijing); and Casabarri, minister of post and telecommunications (December).

 

From December 9 to 11, 2001, at the invitation of President Jiang, President Mbeki paid a state visit to China. Accompanying Mbeki to China were South African Foreign Minister, Minister of Defense, Minister of Public Enterprise, Minister of Safety and Public Security, Minister of Trade and Industry, Minister of Judicial Affairs and Development of Constitution, Minister of Environment and Travel, and Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy. During the visit, President Jiang and President Mbeki co-chaired the first plenary meeting of the Bi-National Commission. Jiang said that this meeting signified that the function of the commission officially started, which would bring into a new stage bilateral friendly cooperation in all dimensions and in various fields. Jiang said the Chinese government appreciated the South African government's stance of sticking to the one-China policy and supporting China's efforts for national reunification. President Mbeki said that the functioning of the commission is a historic moment in the development of bilateral relations, which would play an important role in promoting the two countries' cooperation in various fields. Mbeki said the government of South Africa would do its best to promote bilateral cooperation in the fields of politics and economy. Mbeki congratulated President Jiang on China's entry into the WTO and Beijing's successful bid to hold 2008 Olympic Games. The two heads of state also exchanged views on African situation, New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), Sino-African cooperation, the World Summit on Sustainable Development, as well as international cooperation on anti-terrorism. China decided to make South Africa a destination for its citizens to travel abroad.

 

Chairman Li Peng of the NPC Standing Committee, Premier Zhu Rongji and Vice President Hu Jintao also met with Mbeki respectively. China and South Africa signed the Agreement on Extradition and foreign ministers from the two countries exchanged notes on the formation of the Bi-National Commission.

 

Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and his South African counterpart Zuma held talks and co-chaired the Ministerial Meeting of the Bi-National Commission. Shi Guangsheng, minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of China, and Erwin, minister of trade and industry of South Africa, co-chaired the first meeting of the Joint Committee of the Trade and Economic Affairs, and the two signed the summary of talks. Chinese officials in charge of national defense, public security, judicial affairs, science and technology, territorial resources, environment protection and travel met and held separate talks with their South African counterparts. Mbeki visited the Research Institute of Nuclear Energy of Tsinghua University and delivered a speech at the high-learning institute. He also visited Shanghai and met with its Acting Mayor Chen Liangyu. During the visit, Mbeki attended the symposium on Sino-South Africa trade and economic cooperation and gave a speech.

 

From April 19 to 25, 2001, at the invitation of Speaker Ginwala of the National Assembly of South Africa, Li Ruihuan, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), paid an official goodwill visit to South Africa. During the visit, Li met with Mbeki, Vice President Zuma, Speaker Ginwala of the National Assembly and Madame Pandor, chairman of the Committee of the Provincial Affairs of the National Assembly. The two sides exchanged views on the cooperation between the CPPCC and the National Assembly of South Africa, and held discussions on international issues of common concern. Li stated that the Chinese people sincerely hope that South Africa would create new miracles in the new century and wish to exchange experience with South Africa and other African countries in seeking the national rejuvenation. Mbeki highly appreciated the China-sponsored Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, which he thought would help African countries realize challenges ahead and coordinate their efforts to meet these challenges.

 

From January 9-16, 2001, at the invitation of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the NPC, a 10-member delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the South African National Assembly headed by Jordan visited China.

 

From February 26 to March 5, 2001, at the invitation of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Zwelithini, king of Zulu and the traditional leader of South Africa, visited China. Vice Premier Wen Jiabao, Vice Foreign Minister Ji Peiding and Vice Minister of Agriculture Liu Jian met him separately.

 

From March 27 to 31, 2001, Wang Zhongyu, state councilor and general secretary of the State Council, accompanied by Minister of Personnel Zhang Xuezhong, headed a delegation to South Africa and met with South African Acting President Zuma.

 

On April 12, 2001, Chinese new ambassador to South Africa, Liu Guijin, presented credentials to South African President Mbeki.

 

On April 17, South Africa cast the vote of abstention on China-advocated motion of "no action" on the anti-China proposal put forward by some Western countries.

 

On July 25, 2001, South Africa-China Friendship Association was established in Pretoria, capital of South Africa. Dlamini, former South African ambassador to China, acts as president of the Association.

 

On July 27, 2001, Motlanthe, general secretary of the African National Congress of South Africa, and General Secretary Nzimande of the South African Communist Party, attended the celebrating activity to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Motlanthe sent a congratulatory telegram to President Jiang.

 

On August 29, 2001, Ambassador Liu Guijin, as representative of the CPC, attended the meeting celebrating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the South African Communist Party, which was held in Durban. Ambassador Liu read the congratulatory letter from the Central Committee of the CPC.

 

On August 31, 2001, the Central Committee of the CPC sent a telegram of condolence to the Executive Committee of the African National Congress (ANC) and the Central Committee of the South African Communist Party for the passing away of Mbeki, the senior leader of ANC and the father of the current President Mbeki.

 

From August 31 to September 4, 2001, the Chinese delegation headed by Vice Foreign Minister Wang Guangya attended the UN World Anti-Racism Conference held in Durban. Wang met with his South African counterpart Mbete and exchanged views on bilateral relations and the cooperation at the conference.

 

From October 23 to 29, 2001, at the invitation of African National Congress (ANC), a CPC delegation headed by Li Tieying, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the CPC and president of the Chinese Academy of Social Science, visited South Africa. During the visit, Li met with Zuma, South African vice president and vice chairman of the ANC. Li also held talks with leaders of the ANC and South African Communist Party respectively and exchanged views on how to strengthen construction of the ruling party, exchanges between parties, and the impact of September 11 event on international situation.

 

On November 8, 2001, Kubheka, South African newly appointed ambassador to China, presented credentials to President Jiang.

 

From November 19 to 26, 2001, at the invitation of the NPC Standing Committee, Deputy Speaker Mbete of South African National Assembly visited China. Chairman Li Peng and Vice Chairman Tian Jiyun of the NPC Standing Committee met with Madame Mbete respectively. The two sides exchanged views on the cooperation and exchanges between two parliaments.

 

From December 11 to 17, 2001, at the invitation of the CPC, the ANC delegation, headed by General Secretary Motlanthe, visited China. Motlanthe was accompanied by Minister Radebe of Public Enterprises. Chairman Li Peng of the NPC Standing Committee, and Li Tieying, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the CPC met with the delegation respectively. Motlanthe also met with Dai Binguo, head of the International Liaison Department of the CPC Central Committee, and held talks with Cai Wu, vice head of the International Liaison Department of the CPC. The two sides exchanged views on how to strengthen exchanges between two parties and how to coordinate their positions on major international issues.

 

On December 19, 2001, Foreign Minister Zuma sent a letter to Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan to express thanks for China's warm-hearted and friendly reception of President Mbeki during his visit to China, and expect Tang's visit to South Africa in the coming January.

 

On October 11, 2002, President Jiang was invited to talk on the phone with South African former President Nelson Mandela. Mandela congratulated China on its National Day, and President Jiang expressed thanks to Mandela for his contribution to the development of China-South African bilateral relations. The two also exchanged views on the Iraq issue.

 

From August 31 to September 6, 2002, at the invitation of the South African government, Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji went to South Africa to attend the World Summit on Sustainable Development and paid a working visit to the country. During the visit, Premier Zhu held talks with South African President Mbeki. Zhu stated that the Chinese side was satisfied to see that in the past less than five years, Sino-South African bilateral relations have undergone rapid and all-facet development. There were frequent high-level and other kinds of mutual exchanges between the two countries. The cooperation and exchanges between the two countries in the fields of trade and economy, energy, science and technology, culture and education have continuously expanded. Premier Zhu thanked the South African government for its adherence to the one-China policy, and said that both China and South Africa are big developing countries of with important influences in its own region. The two countries have enjoyed mutual understanding and trust on important international and regional issues. The coordination between two countries has been continuously strengthened. China was willing to join hands with South Africa to unceasingly push forward bilateral relations of the comprehensive partnership, long-time stability, sincerity and mutual benefit. President Mbeki thanked Premier Zhu for his attendance at the conference, which he thought would be an active contribution to the success of the Conference. Mbeki said that South Africa and China enjoy good cooperation in the fields of politics, economy, culture and other fields. The establishment of the Bi-National Commission would make bilateral coordination and cooperation more effective. South Africa attaches great importance to its relationship with China, and will work with the Chinese side to promote bilateral comprehensive partnership of cooperation. Premier Zhu also met with Vice President Zuma, Speaker Ginwala and celebrities from South African business circles.

 

On June 10, 2002, Vice Premier Wen Jiabao met with Mbeki at the Headquarter of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) in Rome when he attended the World Summit on Food as the head of the Chinese delegation.

 

From October 9 to16, 2002, at the invitation of the CPPCC, Madame Pandor, chairman of the Committee of the Provincial Affairs of the South African National Assembly, visited China. Pandor respectively met with Chairman Li Peng of the NPC Standing Committee and Li Ruihuan, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, and held talks with Chen Jinhua, vice chairman of the CPPCC National Committee. The Chinese leaders said that China attaches great importance to its friendly relations of cooperation with South Africa. China's NPC and CPPCC are willing to actively carry out exchange and cooperation with the parliament of South Africa and learn from each other to contribute to the advancement of bilateral ties and the enhancing of the friendship between the two peoples. Pandor thanked the Chinese government for its consistent supports to South Africa and sang highly of the enormous achievements China has accomplished since the adoption of reform and opening-up. Pandor expressed that South Africa would learn from Chinese experience and its parliament would continue to work hard to advance the development of the friendly ties between the two countries.

 

From January 12 to 15, 2002, at the invitation of South African Foreign Minister Zuma, Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan visited South Africa. During the visit, Tang met with President Mbeki and held talks with Zuma. The two foreign ministers co-chaired the first meeting of the sub-committee of the Bi-National Commission. Tang also delivered a speech on Chinese economic situation and Sino-South African friendly cooperation at a luncheon co-sponsored by Africa-Asia Association of South Africa and the Chinese Embassy in South Africa.

 

From April 10 to 15, 2002, at the invitation of South African Communist Party, a CPC delegation headed by Liu Yandong, alternate member of the CPC Central Committee, and deputy head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, visited South Africa.

 

From June 11 to 16, 2002, at the invitation of the Academy of Engineer of South Africa, Song Jian, vice chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, visited South Africa and met with Deputy Speaker Mbete of the National Assembly and Ngubane, minister of culture and art.

 

From July 7 to 10, 2002, Vice Foreign Minister Yang Wenchang attended the first summit meeting of the African Union, held in South Africa, and also paid a visit to the country at the invitation of South African Vice Foreign Minister Pahad.

 

From July 24 to 28, 2002, a CPC delegation headed by Party Secretary Bai Keming of Hainan Province was invited to attend the eleventh national congress of the South African Communist Party. Bai delivered a congratulatory speech for the CPC Central Committee to the meeting and handed General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Jiang Zemin's congratulatory telegram when meeting with Nzimande, general secretary of South African Communist Party.

 

On September 12, 2002, the representative of South Africa gave a speech at the meeting of the General Committee of the 57th UN General Assembly to reaffirm that the South African government adheres to the one-China policy and is opposed to include the proposal of "Taiwan's participation in the UN" into the agenda of the present General Assembly.

 

From October 11 to 18, 2002, at the invitation of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, Tolomisa, chairman of the Joint Democratic Movement of the South African Opposition Parties, at the capacity of a parliament member, visited China and met with Vice Chairman Wang Zhaoguo of the CPPCC National Committee.

 

On December 16, 2002, the CPC Central Committee sent a letter to the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, congratulating the convening of the 51stgeneral meeting of the ANC. On 17, December, General Secretary Hu Jintao of the CPC Central Committee sent a telegram to Mbeki congratulating him on reelection of the chairman of the ANC. At the invitation of the ANC, Wang Jiarui, alternate member of the CPC Central Committee and vice head of the International Liaison Department of the CPC Central Committee, headed a delegation to attend the opening ceremony of the meeting.

 

From January 19 to22, 2003, at the invitation of the South Africa government, Chinese Vice Premier Li Lanqing paid an official visit to South Africa. Li met with South African President Mbeki and Speaker Ginwala and held talks with Vice President Zuma. Li gave an active evaluation of China-South African relations and said he was satisfied with the substantial achievements of bilateral ties in various fields over the past years since the two countries established diplomatic relations. Li expressed China's willingness to further strengthen full cooperation with South Africa. Li stated that China extremely appreciates the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) advocated by South Africa, and supports African countries' efforts for national reconciliation and social stability. China will continue to work hard to help Africa deal with challenges brought by globalization through the Forum on China-African cooperation. China hopes to deepen mutual cooperation with Africa in various fields through governmental and non-governmental channels and make joint efforts to perfect mutual infrastructure construction, and explore human resources. The South African leaders congratulated China on its successful convening of the 16th National Congress of the CPC and its enormous accomplishment the reform and opening-up policy has achieved. South African leaders appreciate the positive progress South Africa-China cooperation has scored and said South Africa wishes to learn from China's successful experience. Africa needs stability and peace, and South Africa is willing to work together with China and the international community towards this end. During the visit, China and South Africa signed the Accord on Criminal and Judicial Assistance Between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa. Chen Zhili, minister of education who accompanied Li to visit to South Africa, held talks with South African Minister of Education Asmal and signed the summary of talks. Xu Guanhua, minister of science and technology, held talks with South African Minister of Art and Science Ngubane.

 

On February 25, 2003, Vice Foreign Minister Wang Guangya met with South African Foreign Minister Zuma when he attended the 13th summit meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The two sides exchanged views on the Iraq issue and China-South African relations.

 

From March 18 to 21, 2003, at the invitation of the Ministry of State Security, South African Minister of Intelligence Shisulu visited China and met with Luo Gan, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

 

On May 11, 2003, South African President Mbeki sent telegrams to President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao respectively, and South African Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang sent a telegram to Wu Yi, vice premier and minister of health, to express condolence to China for its SARS outbreak. They expressed South Africa's wishes to offer help it can to the Chinese people for the prevention of the epidemic.

 

2. Trade relations and economic and technical cooperation

 

South Africa is China's largest trading partner in Africa. The trade volume between China and South Africa accounted for 20 percent of the total trade volume between China and Africa. The direct bilateral trade between the two countries started in early 1990s. The trade volume between China and South Africa rapidly rose to US$7.27 billion in 2005 from US$2.58 billion in 2002. In June 2000, the INVESTEC, South African Bank of Investment singed with the People's Bank of China an agreement on gold sales. The agreement regulates South African Rand Refinery sells one ton of gold to the People's Bank of China every three weeks. The accord, without time limits, was the first such kind of accord singed between the two countries.

 

From October 1 to 6, 2000, a Chinese delegation headed by President Yu Xiaosong of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) visited South Africa to attend South African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX).

 

On October 16, 2000, the governments of the People's Republic of China and South Africa held the first meeting of the Joint Scientific and Technological Committee in Beijing. At the meeting, the two countries agreed to further develop and deepen bilateral scientific and technological cooperation, and encourage and support bilateral long-term cooperation on technological research and exploration projects.

 

From November 25 to December 1, 2000, Ma Xiuhong, assistant minister of foreign trade and economic cooperation, visited South Africa. During the visit, Ma attended the hand-over ceremony of the first 128 sets of low-cost houses constructed with the aid of China.

 

On February 16, 2001, China Construction Bank opened a branch bank in Johannesburg. This was the second Chinese bank to open its business in South Africa. President Mbeki attended the opening ceremony and gave a speech. He said that the opening of business by China Construction Bank in South Africa signified that there was great potentiality for economic cooperation between the two countries.

 

On May 18, 2001, the South African Chinese Business Council was established under the sponsoring of 16 South Africa-based China-funded enterprises. The aim of the council is to unite all South Africa-based Chinese enterprises to promote the cooperation among themselves and strengthen communications with the local government and relevant departments, so as to achieve a joint cooperation and better development.

 

On June 21, 2001, a trade and economic technological fair was held in Johannesburg by Guangdong Province. Governor Lu Ruihua of the province and 400 business representatives attended the event. The contracted value reached at this fair totaled US$1 billion.

 

From March 3 to 7, 2002, Vice Governor Li Dachang of southwest China's Sichuan Province headed a delegation to South Africa. During the visit, Sichuan Province sponsored a trade and economic symposium in Johannesburg.

 

On October 8, 2002, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Liu Jingui and South African Ministry of Water and Forest Resources Ronnie Kasrils attended the hand-over ceremony of some gratis water supplying equipment provided by the Chinese government to the South African government.

 

In 2002, the total trade volume between China and South Africa reached US$2.58 billion, up 16.1 percent from the previous year. Of the total, China's exports was US$1.311 billion, up 25 percent than that of the previous year, and imports US$1.269 billion, up 8.2 percent.

 

By the end of June 2002, the Chinese government gave its approval to 96 enterprises for their investment in South Africa, with contracted value of US$190 million. South Africa had 205 investment projects in China, with contracted value of US$130 million.

 

3. Exchanges in the fields of culture, science and technology

 

The governments of China and South Africa have signed agreements on cultural, scientific and technological cooperation, and set up a joint scientific and technologic commission. Cultural groups and artist troupes from the two countries have exchanged visits and held regular exhibitions in the past years. Several groups of journalists from South Africa were invited to visit China.

 

In March 1999, Deputy Director of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television Tong Xiangrong visited South Africa. In April, Vice Minister of Science and Technology Deng Nan visited South Africa and signed an agreement on scientific and technological cooperation with the South African side. A joint scientific and technological cooperation commission was thus established between the two countries.

 

In April 2000, China and South African signed an e agreement on cultural cooperation.

 

On June 26, 2000, a Chinese delegation headed by Vice Minister of Personnel Zhang Xuezhong visited South Africa. During the visit, Zhang held talks with South African Minister of Public Office and Administrative Affairs Moleketi and signed a memorandum of understanding.

 

From September 3 to 8, 2000, Deputy Procurator-general Liang Guoqing of the Supreme People's Procuratorate headed a delegation to attend the fifth annual meeting of International Procurators' Federation, held in Cape Town, South Africa. China and South Africa signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation between the two countries' procuratorates.

 

On October 24, 2000, Deputy Head of the China Central Television (CCTV) He Zong signed with Jim Walkwen, a representative from the MIH Holding Limited, a South African satellite TV group, a contract on television cooperation in Johannesburg. The accord regulates that the MIH will carry CCTV-9 programs in Africa.

 

From October 13 to 18, 2000, Minister of Health Zhang Wenkang visited South Africa and held talks with his South African counterpart Msimang. The two ministers signed a memorandum of understanding for bilateral hygiene cooperation.

 

From August 23 to 25, 2001, at the invitation of the State General Administration of Sport, Balfour, Minister of Sport of South Africa, visited China and signed with Yuan Weimin, head of the Administration, a memorandum of sport cooperation between two countries.

 

From September 9 to 14, 2001, Minister of Civil Affairs of China Doje Cering visited South Africa and held talks with Minister Skweyiya of Social Development of South Africa. He also visited South African poverty-alleviation projects.

 

From October 9 to 12, 2001, a Chinese cultural delegation headed by Assistant Minister Jia Mingru of Culture visited South Africa and met with Bridgitte Mabandla, vice minister of art and science of South Africa.

 

On November 13, 2001, at the invitation of the Business Journal of South Africa, Vice President Jia Shumei of the All-China Journalists Association headed a financial news delegation to South Africa. Accompanying Jia were journalists from the Xinhua News Agency, CCTV, China National Radio, Economic Daily, Economic Information Daily, Legal Daily, China Financial and Economic News, China Financial and Economic Magazine, and Jiefang Daily.

 

From January 26 to February 1, 2002, at the invitation of the Ministry of Personnel, Minister Moleketi of Public Office and Administrative Affairs of South Africa visited China, and met with State Councilor and Secretary-general Wang Zhongyu. Moleketi held talks with Minister Zhang Xuezhong of Personnel and signed a memorandum on the cooperation of developing human resources between the two countries.

 

On February 17, 2002, artists from China and South Africa held an art performance titled Hailing for China. South African President Mbeki gave a heart-warming TV speech on this event.

 

From March 1 to 8, 2002, at the invitation of the Ministry of Culture of China, a cultural delegation headed by Vice Minister of Art and Science of South Africa visited China and met with Assistant Minister of Culture Iia Mingru. The two sides signed the 2001-2004 implementation plan of the culture and art agreement between two countries.

 

From April 12 to 15, 2002, at the invitation of the Ministry of Construction of China, Minister Sankie of Housing of South Africa visited China and held talks with Minister of Construction Wang Guangtao.

 

From May 8 to 15, 2002, at the invitation of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security of China, General Director Romasa of the Ministry of Labor of South Africa visited China.

 

From May 19 to 22, 2002, at the invitation of South African Ministry of Health, Vice Minister of Health Se Jing visited South Africa and signed with South African Minister of Health Msimang an agreement on bilateral cooperation on the traditional medicines.

 

On October 4, 2002, at the invitation of Minister Ngubane of Culture, Art and Science of South Africa, Chinese Vice Minister of Culture Meng Xiaosi attended the fifth Ministerial Meeting on International Cultural and Network Policy, held in Cape Town, South Africa.

 

From October 13 to 19, 2002, at the invitation of the Ministry of Communications, South African Ministry of Communications Dullah Omar visited China. Minister of Communications Huang Zhendong met with Omar and arranged for him a banquet. Minister of Railways Fu Zhihuan and Director of the Civil Aviation Administration of China Yang Yuanyuan respectively met with him.

 

On November 12, 2002, the replica of the digital edition of the Chinese Map during the Ming Dynasty was exhibited in a map exhibition titled "African Outlook," held by the National Assembly of South Africa. Speaker Ginwala, Deputy Speaker Mbete, Chairman Pandor of the Committee of the Provincial Affairs of the National Assembly, the First Lady Siluota, as well as ministers from the ministries of tourism, finance, communications and public security, and leaders of major parties attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition.

 

On November 15, 2002, at the invitation of the National Tourism Administration, Deputy Minister Mbutafasi of South African Ministry of Tourism attended the Shanghai International Tourism Fair, and met with Deputy Director of the National Tourism Administration Sun Gang. The two sides signed the Memorandum on the Implementation Plan of Chinese Citizens' Organized Visits to South Africa.

 

On November 21, 2002, Deputy Director Wang Baoliang of the State Sport General Administration visited South Africa and signed with South African Ministry of Sports the Memorandum on the Cooperation of Sports between China and South Africa.

 

From November 22 to 28, 2002, the Chinese Films Festival, co-sponsored by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, South African Ministry of Culture and Art, and the Film and Video Foundation of South Africa, was respectively held in Pretoria and Johannesburg, South Africa.

 

On March 11, 2003, the second meeting of the China-South African Joint Scientific and Technological Commission was held in Pretoria, Capital of South Africa. A Chinese delegation headed by Wu Zhongze, representative of the Minister of Science and Technology and a major member of the ministry, visited South Africa and attended the meeting. Wu held talks with Songjika, South African vice minister of science and technology and the two signed the protocol of the meeting.

 

From March 25 to 26, 2003, at the invitation of Ministry of Agriculture, Thoko Msane, minister of agriculture and land affairs of South Africa, visited China and held separate talks with Minister of Agriculture Du Qinglin and Director Li Changjiang of the State Bureau of Quality and Technical Supervision. The two sides signed an accord on the Establishment of the Joint Agricultural Cooperation Group.

 

On March 28, 2003, Deputy Director of the State Sport General Administration Yu Zaiqing visited South Africa and met with Chairman Lamasami of the Olympic Games of South Africa. The two sides discussed the expansion of cooperation between the two countries in the field of sport.

 

On April 1, 2003, the Memorandum on the Implementation Plan of Chinese Citizens' Organized Visits to South Africa officially came into force. A day later, the first Chinese group of visit arrived at South Africa at its own expense.

 

The exchanges between China and South Africa at the provincial level have also advanced smoothly. In 1998, Beijing and Gauteng, Shandong Province and West Cape Town established sister-city relationship. In 2000, Nanjing of Jiangsu Province, and Bloemfontein of Freedom Province, Guangzhou of Guangdong Province and Durban of Kwzulu-Natal Province, Harbin of Heilongjiang Province and Kamila of Gaudeng Province, Zhejiang Province and East Cape Town, and Anhui Province and North Province, and Shanghai and Kwzulu-Natal Province officially signed agreements of friendship province or city relationship. In 2001, Sichuan Province signed a sister-province agreement with Guateng. Qingdao City of Shandong Province, Baotou City of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Harbin of Heilongjiang Province signed sister-city agreements respectively with South African cities. Till May of 2003, there are 15 pairs of Chinese and South African provinces and cities formally signing sister-province or sister-city relations.

 

In 2001, there were 31 South African students studying in China.

 

4. Military exchanges

 

In May 1998, Major General Luobin, head of the Office of Foreign Affairs of the Ministry of National Defense of China, paid a visit to South Africa. In November, General Chi Haotian, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee, state councilor and defense minister, paid an official visit to South Africa. In the same month, Major General Fu Zhenguo of the General Armament Department of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), on behalf of Chi Haotian, and Fu Quanyou, chief of General Staff of the PLA, attended the 1998 Defense Exhibition of South Africa.

 

From June 3 to 9, 2000, at the invitation of Chi Haotian, South African Minister of Defense P. Lekota paid an official visit to China. Hu Jintao, vice president and vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee, met with Lekota. Chi held talks with Letota on bilateral relations, international situation, and military exchanges between the two countries. Lekota also brought his visit to Shanghai.

 

From August 9 to 13, 2000, Major General Huang Jiang, chief of General Staff of the South China Sea Fleet, PLA, led a navy fleet to visit South Africa for the first time. The fleet received a warn welcome from the local Chinese circles.

 

From September 4 to 11, 2000, Deputy Chief of the General Armament Department of the PLA Chen Dazhi led a logistics delegation to participate in South African aviation and defense exhibition. During the visit, South African Minister of Defense Lekota, and General Niyanda, commander of the South African Armed Forces, met with the delegation respectively.

 

In April 2000, China and South Africa also signed an agreement on police cooperation.

 

From August 19 to 25, 2001, at the invitation of the Ministry of National Defense, General Niyanda, commander of the South African Armed Forces, visited China, and met with Chi Haotian. Fu Quanyou, member of the Central Military Commission of CPC Central Committee, and chief of General Staff of the PLA, held talks with Niyanda.

 

From November 20 to 25, 2001, at the invitation of Commander Niyanda, Fu Quanyou visited South Africa, and met with President Mbeki.

 

From October 21 to 26, 2001, at invitation of the Headquarters of the General Staff of the PLA, Romano, commander of the South African Army visited China, and met with Chi Haotian and Fu Quanyou. Deputy Chief of General Staff Guo Boxiong also held talks with him.

 

From April 2 to 4, 2002, South African Vice Minister of Defense Ruteleshi and Major General Roshili were invited to attend the Symposium on International Disarmament co-sponsored by the UN Disarmament Program and the Disarmament Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China.

 

From June 18 to 22, 2002, General Cao Gangchuan, member of the Central Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee, and director of the General Armament Department of the PLA led a PLA delegation to South Africa. South African Minister of Defense P. Lekota, Vice Minister Ruterosi met with delegation respectively. Lieutenant General Mazitama of the South African Allied Equipment Department held talks with General Cao.

 

From April 7 to 10, 2003, the first meeting of China-South African Defense Commission was convened in South Africa. Xiong Guangkai, deputy chief of General Staff of the PLA and Mashilela, Secretary of South African Ministry of Defense attended the meeting. The two signed the Agreement on the Establishment of the Defense Commission Between the Ministries of the People's Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa. Xiong also met with Commander of the South African Army Nyanda and Vice Minister of Defense Ruteleshi.

 

From May 5 to 9, 2003, at the invitation of General Niyanda, commander of the South African Army, General Xiong Guankai led a military delegation to officially visit South Africa. Xiong held talks with General Niyanda and met with South African Vice President Zuma and Minister of Defense Lekota.

 

5. Important agreements and documents

 

On December 30, 1997, China and South Africa signed the Joint Communiqué Between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of South Africa on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations.

 

In April 2000, China and South Africa signed the Pretoria Declaration on the Establishment of the Partnership Between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa.

 

In December 2001, China and South Africa signed the Exchange of Notes on the Establishment of Bi-National Commission Between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of South Africa.

 

(Chinese Foreign Ministry June 14, 2006)