Mashatile stresses the importance of South Africa-China cooperation amid Middle East conflict
Deputy President Paul Mashatile said that it is important for countries like South Africa and China, to continue working together amid the ongoing geopolitical tension and conflicts in regions such as the Middle East.
Mashatile made the remarks as co-chair of the 9th Session of the South Africa–China Bi-National Commission (BNC) alongside China’s Vice President Han Zheng.
The BNC, which took place under the theme: “South Africa-China Relations in an Era of Global Transformation: Advancing Shared Modernisation”, was established as the highest-structured bilateral mechanism for consolidating diplomatic, economic, and sectoral cooperation between the two nations.
Mashatile said that proceedings have injected renewed momentum into bilateral relations, have also enabled the nations to take stock of progress since the 8th Session, and to assess implementation under the Ten-Year Strategic Programme for Cooperation.
“We have noted with appreciation the outcomes of the Foreign Affairs Sectoral Committee, which reaffirmed our shared commitment to advancing development, addressing debt sustainability, strengthening climate action, and promoting the reform of international financial institutions to better reflect the interests of developing countries such as ourselves.
🇿🇦🇨🇳 BILATERAL RELATIONS
South Africa and China continue to enjoy strong diplomatic relations, anchored in the All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era.
This morning, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, together with Deputy Minister of International Relations and… pic.twitter.com/sVs2IXGWSc
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) March 26, 2026
“South Africa further welcomes the continued strengthening of coordination within multilateral platforms, including BRICS, which is playing an increasingly important role in advancing a more inclusive, equitable and multipolar global order, as well as our shared commitment to safeguarding multilateralism and the principles of the United Nations Charter,” Mashatile said.
“South Africa also notes the importance of strengthening political dialogue through platforms such as the Strategic Dialogue and the Joint Working Group, which will ensure sustained engagement on regional and global priorities, and the effective implementation of BNC outcomes.”
Mashatile welcomed the progress made in the trade and investment sectors, including the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA) and the China National Nuclear Corporation in April 2025, as well as ongoing engagements through the China–South Africa Mining Working Group.
“We are encouraged by the growing collaboration in energy planning, gas-to-power and nuclear-to-power development, as well as the shared commitment to deepen cooperation in mineral processing, beneficiation and value addition, which are critical to strengthening South Africa’s industrial base for economic growth.
“South Africa further notes the importance of expanding investment cooperation, including mobilising Chinese investment into initiatives such as the Junior Mining Exploration Fund, revitalising smelters, and strengthening South Africa’s position within global value chains,” Mashatile said.
Together with His Excellency the Vice President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Han Zheng, we will co-chair the 9th South Africa-China Bi-National Commission (BNC), under the theme: “South Africa-China Relations in an Era of Global Transformation: Advancing Shared… pic.twitter.com/XkjGWm6StN
— Paul Mashatile🇿🇦 (@PMashatile) March 26, 2026
🇿🇦🇨🇳 SA–China Relations
Listen 🎧 Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the South Africa–China Bi-National Commission.
🔗 Read more: https://t.co/JWzchKiI63 #SAChinaBNC #GovZAUpdates pic.twitter.com/F5Qt7y0WmS
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) March 26, 2026
He added that the country welcomed cooperation in small harbours, fisheries and aquaculture sectors, “as well as ongoing negotiations on protocols and agreements”.
“In the area of Science and Technology, we are encouraged by the agreement to expand joint research projects and flagship initiatives, as well as the strengthening of people-to-people exchanges between researchers.
“To this end, South Africa welcomes the growing cooperation in Artificial Intelligence, innovation and digital technologies, which will support technology localisation, skills development and the advancement of sustainable economic growth,” Mashatile said.
“In the field of Education and Culture, we commend the expansion of scholarship programmes supported by our Sector Education and Training Authorities, as well as initiatives such as the Chinese STEM Bursary Programme and partnerships with institutions such as Beijing Polytechnic College.
“In a rapidly changing global environment, shaped by shifting leadership dynamics and rising geopolitical tensions, including ongoing conflicts in regions such as the Middle East, South Africa and China, countries must continue to work together to advance shared modernisation, deepen economic cooperation, and strengthen coordination in multilateral platforms, while promoting dialogue, stability and peaceful resolution of disputes,” he added.
Mashatile thanked Zheng for his leadership and partnership and will be hosting him at the banquet dinner this evening.
