Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and South African counterpart Ronald Lamola pledged to deepen South-South cooperation during a pivotal phone conversation on January 10, 2026. The dialogue underscores both nations' commitment to advancing multilateralism amid global economic uncertainties.
Wang, a senior Communist Party of China official, highlighted China's support for South Africa's development through zero-tariff trade measures and inter-party collaboration. He praised South Africa's successful hosting of the 2025 G20 Leaders' Summit as evidence of growing Global South influence in international affairs.
The ministers agreed to strengthen coordination on UN-centered multilateral frameworks, with Lamola reaffirming South Africa's adherence to the one-China principle. Both sides committed to expanding people-to-people exchanges through the 2026 China-Africa Year of Cultural Engagement initiative.
Economic cooperation took center stage, with China pledging to support South Africa's industrial revitalization programs. The discussions come as African nations seek increased trade parity ahead of the 2027 BRICS expansion summit.
