By Thobile Jiwulane:
China’s Consul General in Johannesburg, Pan Qingjiang, says China is committed to expanding high-level opening-up, and providing new opportunities to and sharing more dividends with the world, including South Africa, through its new development.
Delivering a speech at a seminar titled the “Reflections Seminar: The Journey of Discovery in China” held at Wits University on April 15, 2026, Pan said China adopts a people-centred approach in dealing with its external relations. China will continue to strive together with South Africa to translate our close relationship and pragmatic cooperation into more tangible and real benefits to our peoples.
On trade relations, he announced that high-quality South African products, such as deep-processed mineral products and agricultural products, will find even broader opportunities in China’s vast market of 1.4 billion consumers. Pan reiterated the announcement made by China’s President Xi Jinping in February this year to the 39th African Union (AU) Summit that, starting from May 1, 2026, China will grant zero-tariff treatment on 100 per cent of tariff lines to 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China. Xi 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. It is 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. In today’s world where unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, China’s zero-tariff policy is like a breath of fresh air, injecting strong confidence and momentum into China–South Africa economic and trade cooperation,” Pan said.
Pan’s statement followed the signing of a Citrus export deal, at the China Embassy in Pretoria on Friday, 10 March by South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen and China’s Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, marks the first step in implementing Beijing’s pledge to extend zero tariffs to all 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with China from 1 May. Steenhuisen said the agreement was a “big step forward” for South Africa’s citrus exports, while Wu praised the partnership for its potential to boost the economic growth of the country.
In addition to the existing deal on South African mango exports, more agreements are envisaged for this year to export South African cherries and blueberries to China.
In his address at Wits, Pan said China will continue to strive together with South Africa to translate our close relationship and pragmatic cooperation into more tangible and real benefits to our peoples. China Promotes Common Prosperity through Open Cooperation. Openness is the most distinctive hallmark of Chinese modernization.
Pan touched on the current situation in the Middle East, where war was ensuing in the Persian Gulf amidst peace efforts being undertaken by China and Pakistan to bring peace in the region. Following a ceasefire that broke down last week, renewed efforts were underway to have the peace negotiations resume in Islamabad, the Pakistani capital.
Highlighting the conflict in the Middle East that continues to escalate and expand, Pan said: “We are living in a world far from being tranquil.” He said the situation in Iran is the focal point in the current international situation. He told the audience about the efforts by China and Pakistan on March 31, where the two countries issued the five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region. During their meeting in Beijing, the country’s Foreign Ministers proposed the Five Point Initiative for 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.
He expressed concern that the conflict’s 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, the unimpeded operation of industrial and supply chains, and global economic growth.
“This is not in the common interest of regional countries and the wider world. China and Pakistan, as important countries in the Global South, 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 tranquillity in the Gulf and Middle East region at an early date. The initiative is open and we welcome responses and participation from all countries and international organizations,” Pan said.
He reminded the audience about the old relationship between China and South Africa, saying their friendship is underpinned by a unique historical bond. During the difficult years of South Africa’s fight against apartheid, China stood firmly in support of the just cause of the South African people in their pursuit of national liberation.
“Over the 28 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, despite the ever-changing international landscape, the momentum of our relations has never faltered. In particular, our relationship has advanced to an all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era, setting a fine model for solidarity, cooperation, and shared development among developing countries and the Global South. Our relations have grown stronger over time,” he said.
On the people-to-people exchange environment between the two countries, Pan highlighted the role of the youth, quoting from both South Africa’s freedom fighter Nelson Mandela and China’s Revolution leader, Mao Zedong. “Nelson Mandela once said, ‘The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.’ Chairman MAO Zedong also said, ‘Youth is like the morning sun at eight or nine’.
“No matter in which country, the youth always represent progressive power to make positive changes happen. In the new era of China–Africa engagement, young people are emerging as vital bridges connecting our two civilizations. We look forward to seeing young people from both countries deepen their friendship and carry forward China–Africa friendship from generation to generation,” Pan said.
It is hoped that more Wits students will have the opportunity to study or travel in China in the future. Pan promised that the Chinese Consulate General in Johannesburg is willing to continue to work with Wits University to create such opportunities, to promote youth development and strengthen the China-South African friendship.
As 2026 marks the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, he said the cultural cooperation between China and South Africa is set to reach new heights, adding fresh vitality and deeper meaning to a friendship that spans mountains and oceans. – @NewsSA_Online
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