A signed article by Chinese President Xi Jinping titled “Sailing the Giant Ship of China-South Africa Friendship and Cooperation Towards Greater Success” was published on 21 August in South African media, on the occasion of his state visit to South Africa, where he attended the 15th BRICS Summit. Edited excerpts of the article follow:
South Africa’s Ubuntu philosophy advocates compassion and sharing. It resonates well with the values of Confucianism - “love the people and all beings and seek harmony among all nations.” The China-South Africa relationship is standing at a new historical starting point. It has gone beyond the bilateral scope and carries increasingly important global influence.
South African companies are also racing to invest in the Chinese market to seize the abundant business opportunities, and they have made important contribution to China’s economic growth.
China and South Africa should be pacesetters for solidarity and cooperation. We will succeed because of our biggest strengths in high economic complementarity and the solid foundation for cooperation. China and South Africa should be inheritors of China-Africa friendship. We must keep the spirit of China Africa friendship and cooperation as alive and strong as ever across the vast lands of China and Africa.
South Africa is home to the great statesman Nelson Mandela, and it boasts the richest tourist resources, the longest road network, the biggest securities exchange, and the busiest airports and harbours in Africa. The country exudes unique charm with the perfect amalgam of the ancient and the modern, and of nature and culture.
