Johannesburg – China’s Consul General in South Africa, Pan Qingjiang, addressed students and academics at Wits University this week, stressing the importance of youth exchanges and outlining China’s future development plans under its newly adopted 15th Five-Year Plan.
The seminar, titled “The Journey of Discovery in China”, followed a recent student delegation visit to China and focused on strengthening ties between South African and Chinese youth.
The Consul General urged young people to carry forward the China–Africa friendship, quoting Nelson Mandela’s words: “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.”
During his address, PAN Qingjiang, also made reference to the war in Iran waged by the U.S. and Israel.
“We are living in a world far from being tranquil. The Middle East conflict continues to escalate and expand.
“The situation in Iran is the focal point in the current international situation.
“On March 31, China and Pakistan issued the five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region, proposing, namely, immediate cessation of hostilities; start of peace talks as soon as possible; security of nonmilitary targets; security of shipping lanes; and primacy of the United Nations Charter.”
One month into the conflict, its spillover effect continues to spread, dealing an increasingly severe blow to regional and global peace and stability, and causing more extensive disruptions to the stability of global energy supply.
This is not in the common interest of regional countries and the wider world.
He said China and Pakistan have voiced a rational and just position in the hope of building up consensus and pooling stronger efforts in the international community to contribute to easing the ongoing tense situation, and restoring peace and tranquility in the Gulf and Middle East region at an early date.
“The initiative is open and we welcome responses and participation of all countries and international organisations,” stated Pan Qingjiang.
Zero tariffs to 53 African countries
In February this year, President Xi Jinping announced that China will grant zero-tariff treatment on “100 percent of tariff lines” to 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China starting from 1 May 2026.
Pan Qingjiang also highlighted efforts to upgrade the “green channel” to expand market access for African exports.
This is the first time a major developing country has made a unilateral, comprehensive zero-tariff commitment to the entire African continent.
The consul general said this was a powerful measure by China to use tariff “subtraction” to drive trade “addition” with Africa and achieve a “multiplier effect” on the livelihood of the African people.
Key Highlights from the address:
- Youth Exchanges:
- Pan emphasised that “seeing is believing,” encouraging more South African students to study or travel in China.
- The Consulate announced plans for a youth dialogue in May between young diplomats and Wits students on China’s modernisation and African development.
- China’s Economic Outlook:
- China recorded 5% growth in 2025, contributing about 30% to global economic growth.
- The country is shifting from rapid expansion to high-quality development, focusing on advanced manufacturing, robotics, and digital innovation.
- South Africa is already benefiting, with more Chinese-branded electric vehicles and manufacturing projects entering the local market.
- Green Development Commitments:
- China has become the fastest country in greening the planet, contributing a quarter of the world’s new green areas.
- Cooperation with Africa includes photovoltaic power stations exceeding 1.5 gigawatts, wind and solar projects, and the introduction of Juncao technology for sustainable livelihoods.
- People-Centred Approach:
- The new plan prioritizes comprehensive well-being, with investments in education, healthcare, housing, and elderly care.
- Pan stressed that China’s external relations also follow a people-first philosophy, aiming to deliver tangible benefits to South Africans through cooperation.
- Trade and Common Prosperity:
- From 1 May 2026, China will grant zero-tariff treatment on all tariff lines to 53 African countries.
- This opens China’s 1.4 billion consumer market to South African exports such as processed minerals and agricultural products.
- Pan described the policy as a “breath of fresh air” amid global protectionism.
- Global Peace Efforts:
- China and Pakistan recently proposed a five-point initiative to restore peace in the Middle East, calling for ceasefire, protection of nonmilitary targets, and safeguarding shipping lanes.
- China–South Africa Friendship:
- Pan recalled China’s support during South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle and praised the relationship as a strategic cooperative partnership.
- He highlighted 2026 as the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, with cultural cooperation set to deepen.
