South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting China on its core interests, including the One-China policy.
This emerged out of bilateral talks held between Ramaphosa and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Monday during which both leaders agreed to elevate their nations’ ties to an “all-round strategic cooperative partnership for the new era,” a move aimed at deepening collaboration in various sectors.
In a joint statement released after the talks, the South African government reiterated that there is “but one China in the world”.
“The South African government reaffirmed its commitment to the One-China policy; recognised that there is but one China in the world; the government of the People’s Republic of China [PRC] is the sole legal government representing the whole of China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China,” the statement read.
The One-China policy is a diplomatic principle asserting that there is only one sovereign state under the name “China,” which encompasses both the PRC and Taiwan.
This policy is a cornerstone of China’s foreign relations and has significant implications for how countries engage with both the PRC and Taiwan.
It dictates that countries seeking diplomatic relations with the PRC must recognise it as the sole legitimate government of China and sever official ties with Taiwan as PRC views Taiwan as a breakaway province
Ramaphosa and Xi emphasised the importance of promoting universal human rights, including the right to development.
They agreed to conduct exchanges and cooperation on human rights based on mutual respect, while opposing discrimination and advocating for the rights of vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.
Xi highlighted the necessity for solidarity among Global South countries, urging increased cooperation in areas such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and new energy.
He stated that China is ready to work with South Africa and other African nations to foster high-quality development in China-Africa cooperation.
Ramaphosa echoed this sentiment, emphasising that South Africa would remain a reliable partner for China, particularly through frameworks like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
The meeting also resulted in the signing of several bilateral cooperation agreements, including initiatives related to the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System.
Both leaders expressed optimism that their enhanced partnership would yield significant benefits in trade, investment and infrastructure development.
Ramaphosa is in China for a state visit and to attend the 2024 FOCAC Summit, which is set to begin on Wednesday and run until Friday.
JN/APA