Deputy President Paul Mashatile announced on Thursday that South Africa sees significant potential to expand cooperation with China in infrastructure development, particularly in the modernisation of ports, rail and road networks, which he said remain critical to unlocking economic growth and improving regional integration.

Mashatile was speaking at the ninth session of the South Africa-China Bi-national Commission, where he said South Africa was encouraged by the growing investment footprint of Chinese enterprises in South Africa.

“Investments such as the Hisense industrial park in Atlantis, Cape Town, demonstrate the potential for industrial cooperation to drive job creation, skills development, and local economic growth,” he said.

Mashatile said Chinese Vice President Han Zheng’s presence at the Bi-national Commission reflected the “enduring friendship, mutual respect and shared commitment” to development, which he stressed underpinned relations.

He pointed out that over nearly three decades, South Africa and China’s bilateral relationship had grown, contributing to economic development and reflecting both countries’ aim of accelerating development.

“While South Africa maintains strong relations with all major global partners and actively participates in multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, the G20, BRICS and the International Criminal Court, our partnership with China has become increasingly prominent and continues to compare favourably with our relations with other global partners,” he stated.

Mashatile pointed out that South Africa’s approach to international relations remained guided by its national interest: to advance the development of South Africans through inclusive economic growth.

“In this regard, South Africa remains committed to ensuring that its partnership with China delivers practical outcomes that improve the lives of its people and contribute to sustainable development in both our countries,” he said.

This year marks 28 years since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and China.