Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
MEDIA STATEMENT: SPEECH BY MINISTER A.B. NZO ON THE OCCASION OF THE BANQUET HOSTED BY DIRECTOR WANG FOR VICE PREMIER QIAN QICHEN ON 30 DECEMBER 1997
Honourable Vice Premier Qian, Vice Minister Shi, Assistant Minister Ji, Distinguished guests, Leaders of the Chinese community, Ladies and gentlemen.
In just more than a day - on 1 January 1998 - South Africa and the People's Republic of China will enter a new era with the establishment of diplomatic relations. This will be an auspicious occasion for both countries. Mr Vice Premier, it would have been totally untenable that a situation should continue to exist where one of the leading countries in Africa does not have formal relations with one of the leading countries in Asia and the world.
The continuation of such a situation would have been inconsistent with decisions taken by international bodies such as the UN and the OAU, international law and the state practice followed by the overwhelming majority of countries. This would also have been a denial of the major role that African countries have played to secure the rightful place of the People's Republic of China at the United Nations in 1971. Had it not been for the apartheid system, the establishment of diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China would have been a foregone conclusion a long time ago!
The establishment of diplomatic relations between South Africa and the People's Republic of China is the natural outcome of a long evolutionary process of contact between our two countries, dating back more than three centuries. Since 1660, many Chinese have arrived at the southern tip of Africa, first as exiles and later as labourers and traders. In many ways, the strong bonds between China and Africa have been forged through similar historical experiences. Both have suffered dearly at the hands of colonial powers, including humiliations and injustices because of discrimination. In this regard, the Chinese Community, although always small in number in South Africa, suffered the same indignities as the majority of South Africans. It is thus not surprising that many Chinese joined in Mahatma Gandhi's passive resistance earlier in the century. Notwithstanding the many adversities faced by the local Chinese community, they have managed to maintain and uphold the Chinese culture and values, in the process contributing greatly to this rich varie southern tip of Africa.
After having achieved political liberation in 1949, the People's Republic of China, notwithstanding its own devastation after long years of struggle against colonialism and exploitation, unselfishly became a steadfast moral and material supporter of the struggle for liberation and democracy in Africa. During those long and bitter years of struggle, much encouragement and inspiration was drawn from the examples set by the great Chinese leaders such as Sun Yatsen, Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai and the late Deng Xiaoping.
Mr Vice Premier and honoured guests, just as China was an example and inspiration for Africa then, it today provides once again an example for Africa - this time for the economic liberation and renaissance of Africa. We in South Africa in particular and Africa in general have been following with great admiration how China, in adapting free-market principles to China's own unique situation, has transformed its economy and society in less than twenty years, resulting in the greatest reduction in poverty ever recorded in human history. Through these transformations, the People's Republic of China has achieved a status and position in the world where it enjoys the respect and attention of everyone. The South African Government is grateful that notwithstanding China's new elevated status in the international political system, it has not forgotten the developing word, especially Africa. We look forward to China joining the other leading powers in the world in assisting in the development of Africa.
South Africa and the People's Republic of China, both developing countries, share many similar ideals and objectives. Both countries are for example committed to the principle that in the international political and economic system, the "strong should not dominate the weak" and that the interests of developing countries should be adequately safeguarded. In this regard, South Africa as a non- aligned country pursuing an independent foreign policy, is looking forward to forging a strategic partnership with China for the 21st Century.
Although formal diplomatic relations will only be established on 1 January 1998, comprehensive and substantial relations in virtually all areas have already developed between South Africa and China. These relations will receive further impetus through the establish- ment of diplomatic relations. This year, direct bilateral trade is expected to exceed 1,6 billion US dollars, not including the 1,4 billion US dollars bilateral trade with Hong Kong. If these two figures are combined, the People's Republic of China is then South Africa's sixth largest trading partner. Moreover, South African investments in China already exceed 60 million Rand and PRC investments in South Africa since 1994, more than 400 million Rand. Virtually all the major South African companies already have representative offices in Hong Kong and the Mainland and vice versa.
Tonight is a joyous occasion as we jointly look forward to the establishment of diplomatic relations and a new chapter in our bilateral relations. Let us in partnership, with enthusiasm, seize the opportunities that this new relationship will bring about to the mutual benefit of both countries.
I would now like to take the opportunity to propose a toast to the new relationship.
Thank you.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 30 DECEMBER 1997