Issued by: The Department of Foreign Affairs
PROPOSED VISIT TO THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: MINISTER AB NZO AND DELEGATION: 23 - 26 MARCH 1996
The purpose of the visit to the People's Republic of China is to improve high-level dialogue and communication between the two countries. The visit is long overdue and should have taken place during the course of 1995.
The People's Republic of China is a growing political and economic power, both in the Asian region and globally. Bilateral relations have grown considerably, especially in the field of trade over the last four years. Furthermore, China is increasingly investing in South Africa.
South Africa and the People's Republic of China are members of many UN and similar multilateral bodies and both play constructive roles in these organs. Contact between South Africa and the People's Republic of China is essential in this regard.
South Africa wishes to maintain friendly and cordial relations with both China and Taiwan. The Minister intends to visit Taiwan at a later dat.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA, 22 MARCH 1996