South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile is in China for a working visit aimed at strengthening economic ties between Pretoria and Beijing, the Presidency confirmed.
Mashatile arrived over the weekend accompanied by Deputy Trade Minister Zuko Godlimpi and senior government officials, marking his second official mission to China in less than a year.
The visit builds on the outcomes of the South Africa–China Bi‑National Commission held in Cape Town in March 2026, which he co‑chaired with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.
That meeting reaffirmed the two countries’ commitment to expanding cooperation under their long‑standing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has made China South Africa’s largest trading partner for more than a decade and a key investor in mining, energy, manufacturing and infrastructure.
During the current visit, Mashatile is expected to participate in the Fourth China International Supply Chain Expo at the invitation of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.
This will be the second time the South African deputy president will be participating at the expo after he took part in the 2025 edition where he promoted Pretoria as a gateway to Sub‑Saharan Africa for trade and industrial cooperation.
Mashatile will also hold bilateral talks with Vice President Han Zheng and meet leading Chinese companies involved in infrastructure development, advanced manufacturing, technology innovation and industrialisation.
The Presidency said these engagements are intended to attract investment and deepen collaboration in sectors central to South Africa’s economic recovery.
JN/APA