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In the 17 years since China and South Africa established diplomatic relations, they have achieved much on all fronts politically, culturally and economically, thus forming a "comprehensive strategic partnership" today.

The partnership was further strengthened when both countries came together in the BRICS economic bloc that has promoted economic cooperation to a new high.

The bilateral relationship between the second biggest economies in Africa and the world give the two an important role in continental and even global affairs.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) holds talks with his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma in Pretoria, South Africa, Dec. 2, 2015. [Xinhua]

This is an important aspect since Africa needs foreign direct investment. China is the leading FDI source to Africa at the moment, but South Africa investments are finding their way into various parts of Africa as well, especially in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) bloc.

Sharing a similar global vision, the two emerging powers are working towards closer strategic co-operation that takes account of the structure of bilateral economic ties, domestic diversity and overlapping interests, according to a recently-published paper "South Africa and China: The Making of a Partnership."

"At the same time," urge the two authors, Ms Yu-Shan Wu and Prof Chris Alden, "there are differences between the two countries that continue to shape ties and distinguish them from China's relations with other African countries."

One of the distinguishing features of Sino-South Africa relations is the two have a joint inter-ministerial working group formed in 2010 whose main tasks are to identify and work through any obstacles to the implementation of their bilateral commitments.

"Sharing a similar global vision, the two emerging countries are working towards closer strategic co-operation that takes account of the structure of bilateral economic ties, domestic diversity and overlapping interests," the study said.

This strategic bilateral commitment is of paramount importance since China is seen as a key competitor in sectors South Africa views as strategic, as well as being an investor in resources that enjoy a favourable trade balance.

For example, until recently, South African investment into China was behind flows in the other direction.

The overall motivation behind South African investment in China is in line with the general trend towards internationalization and resource and/or market-seeking conduct, but is distinctive in that it was initially led by private corporations.

South African firms have invested over US$800 million in China, mostly in the mining sector (iron ore, zinc, coal and precious metals), the food and beverage industry, and telecommunications and media.

On other hand, China's direct investment into South Africa by the end of last year approximated 120 billion yuan (about US$8.5 billion), with over 100 China's state-owned entities and multinational companies investing in South Africa.

The China-South Africa tie-up may help ease criticism that Beijing is taking advantage of Africa's resources.

South Africa has a diversified economy with relatively strong institutional structures and is home to a vibrant civil society. It is the only African country with significant investment in China itself.

On top of that, South Africa is the home to the continent's largest and oldest Chinese community, a concentration of Confucian Institutes and an active Chinese media presence.

Therefore, the Forum for China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit to be held in South Africa is an important platform to deepen Sino-Africa cooperation.

"(The summit) will generate more fruitful outcomes in favour of African people," suggests Mr Lin Zhiyong, chief representative of the Economic and Commercial Representation of China in Tanzania.

This is the first time FOCAC is being held in Africa, after a meeting in Beijing in 2006 and it can become a bridge of friendship and platform of cooperation.

"China and Africa have worked together to build the new type of strategic partnership and lifted it to new height," said Mr Lin.

In the first 10 months of this year China's direct investment to Africa reached US$95.2 billion and is expected to surpass US$100 billion mark by year-end.

Against that background, and with the pace of trade and investment picking up, coupled with closer international cooperation through the G-20 and BRICS grouping, South Africa-China ties are assuming a significant position in continental and even global affairs.

The writer is the Daily News' online coordinator .

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn

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