Johannesburg – Pan Qingjiang, the Chinese Consul General in Johannesburg, says the friendship between China and South Africa has stood the test of time, and the cooperation has yielded fruitful results.
Pan Qingjiang made the remarks at the 2026 Chinese National Day Reception in Johannesburg on Friday, 9 October 2026.
The reception marked the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
“On behalf of the Chinese Consulate‑General in Johannesburg, I wish to pay high tribute to friends from all sectors who have long cared for and supported China’s development as well as China‑South Africa relations and sub‑national friendship,” Pan Qingjiang said in his welcome address.
“I also extend festive greetings to our Chinese compatriots.”
The Chinese Consul General in Johannesburg said, guided by the two heads of state, President Xi Jinping and President Cyril Ramaphosa, the China-South Africa all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era has been further consolidated, with the pie of bilateral cooperation growing.
China has remained South Africa’s largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years.
China’s stock of direct investment in South Africa exceeds USD 11.7 billion, while bilateral trade volume has surpassed USD 53.5 billion.
“Nearly 300 Chinese enterprises have set up businesses in South Africa, contributing to the development of local industries and job creation,” said Pan Qingjiang.
“On 1 May this year, China fully implemented zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries with diplomatic ties with China, including South Africa.
“More high-quality South African products have gained access to the Chinese market.”
The Chinese Consul General in Johannesburg said China stands ready to work with South Africa to deepen cooperation across all fields for greater benefits of the two peoples, further strengthen the collective strength of the Global South for the promotion of world peace and development.
“Amity between the people holds the key to sound state-to-state relations,” said Pan Qingjiang.
“The recent years have witnessed increasingly close exchanges between China and Gauteng and Free State in all sectors and at various levels.”
He noted that Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature Morakane Mosupyoe, Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, and Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero have visited China, with relevant mutual consensus on cooperation being translated steadily into tangible results.
“This year is the Year of China-Africa People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges,” Pan Qingjiang said.
“A rich variety of exchange activities across different sectors has further enhanced mutual learning, understanding and friendship between our peoples.
“To say two examples of intercultural exchange, many South African friends are enjoying Chinese tea and its ceremony, while many Chinese people are keen to learn how to play Djembe drums.“
Pan Qingjiang said that, with a strong commitment in particular to education, communities and young people, the Consulate-General has carried out many concrete initiatives and projects together with local governments and partners to promote inclusive social development, convey warmth and goodwill, and carry forward our traditional friendship.
“Today we are delighted to be joined by learners from local schools in the celebration who will present wonderful performances,” said Pan Qingjiang.
“The Consulate-General is willing to strengthen communication with all sectors to build stronger bridges for sub-national and people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between China and South Africa, and strive for more fruitful outcomes.”
He said the local Chinese community and Chinese‑funded institutions, part of the South African rainbow society, have actively integrated into and contributed to local communities.
“I hope that my fellow countrymen will continue to make joint efforts in composing a new chapter for both the China miracle and the China-South Africa relationship, making fresh contributions to the growth of the motherland, to the friendship between the two countries,” said Pan Qingjiang.
He said the Consulate‑General will continue to faithfully implement the mission of diplomacy for the people and deliver quality services.
“I would like to propose a toast to the prosperity of China and South Africa and the well-being of our peoples, to the ever-growing China-South Africa friendship and our sub-national cooperation, and to the good health and happiness of everyone present,” said Pan Qingjiang.
He recalled that over the past 77 years, China has gone through trials and tribulations and achieved extraordinary accomplishments.
The Communist Party of China (CPC) has led the Chinese people in achieving two miracles: rapid economic growth and enduring social stability.
“We have achieved the First Centenary Goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and are forging ahead toward the Second Centenary Goal of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects,” said Pan Qingjiang.
This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC and the beginning of China’s 15th Five‑Year Plan.
The Chinese economy has demonstrated strong resilience and vitality, with its GDP exceeding the 140‑trillion‑yuan mark last year.
Pan Qingjiang stated that China will continue to promote innovation-driven, high-quality and sound economic development, and take practical steps to safeguard and improve the livelihoods of all ethnic groups.
“We have full confidence in the bright prospects of Chinese modernisation,” said Pan Qingjiang.
“China’s development has a global perspective and benefits the world.”
He said President Xi Jinping put forward the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, together with the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilisation Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative.
“These initiatives have contributed China’s wisdom, solutions and strength to addressing global challenges and promoting world peace and development,” said Pan Qingjiang.
From high‑quality Belt and Road cooperation to promoting the establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation, the World Data Organiation and the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation, China has consistently demonstrated its sense of responsibility through concrete actions in contributing to global economic growth and the reform and improvement of the global governance system.
“China will firmly stand on the side of peace and development, on the side of fairness and justice, and on the right side of history, continuing to inject greater certainty and positive energy into a world fraught with changes and turbulence,” concluded Pan Qingjiang.
Distinguished guests at the reception included:
- Morakane Mosupyoe, Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature,
- Jacob Mamabolo, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, Evan Botha, MECs of Gauteng,
- Ntombizanele Sifuba, Monyatso Mahlatsi, MECs of the Free State,
- Dada Morero, Executive Mayor of Johannesburg,
- Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni,
- Gregory Nthatisi, Executive Mayor of Mangaung
