Sailing the giant ship of China-South Africa friendship and cooperation toward greater success

Sailing the giant ship of China-South Africa friendship and cooperation toward greater success

At the invitation of President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, I will soon make a state visit to the Republic of South Africa and attend the 15th BRICS Summit

It will be my sixth visit to the promising land of the “rainbow nation”.

South Africa is home to the great statesman Nelson Mandela, and it boasts the richest tourist resources, the longest road network, the biggest securities exchange, and the busiest airports and harbours in Africa. The country exudes unique charm with the perfect amalgam of the ancient and the modern, and of nature and culture.

Each of my visits to South Africa gave me new impressions. But the deepest is invariably the brotherly sentiments we have toward each other.

Our friendship has traversed a long span of time. As early as in the mid-20th century, the newly founded People’s Republic of China lent firm support to the South African people in fighting apartheid, and stood with the African National Congress as comrades and friends.

Our friendship has defied the obstacles of mountains and oceans. Facing the sudden onslaught of COVID-19, China was among the first to provide anti-pandemic supplies to South Africa, reaffirming our special brotherhood.

More recently, China also provided to the country emergency power equipment. Over the past 25 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, our relationship has achieved leapfrog development—from a partnership to a strategic partnership, and then to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

It is one of the most vibrant bilateral relations in the developing world. Our relationship has entered a “golden era”, enjoying broad prospects and a promising future.

In recent years, President Ramaphosa and I have maintained close communication through visits, meetings, phone calls and letters. We jointly explore cooperation opportunities, pursue development, and stand up to common challenges.

Our strategic mutual trust has been deepening steadily. We give each other firm support on issues involving our respective core interests and major concerns, and maintain coordination on major international and regional issues. We work together to practice true multilateralism and push for the building of a more just and equitable international order.

South Africa was the first African country to sign the Belt and Road cooperation document with China. It has been China’s biggest trading partner in Africa for 13 years in a row, as well as one of the African countries with the largest stock of Chinese investment.

The pie of bilateral cooperation is getting bigger. South Africa’s wines, rooibos tea, and aloe vera gels are trending products in China. Many Chinese companies are expanding their operation and at the same time taking more social responsibilities in South Africa.

Automobiles and home appliances with Chinese brands yet made in South Africa are very popular among local consumers, and are now owned by numerous South African households.

South African companies are also racing to invest in the Chinese market to seize the abundant business opportunities, and they have made important contribution to China’s economic growth.

South Africa’s Ubuntu philosophy advocates compassion and sharing. It resonates well with the values of Confucianism—“love the people and all beings and seek harmony among all nations”.

In 2015, I participated in the Year of China activities in South Africa, and witnessed the gratifying achievements of our Year of China/South Africa programs.

Last April, the faculty and students of the Confucius Institute at Durban University of Technology wrote me a letter in Chinese, expressing their fondness for the Chinese culture and thanking China for the valuable opportunities provided to young Africans chasing their dreams.

I find it very heart-warming. Indeed, these vibrant people-to-people exchanges enhance the empathy between our peoples, and enable our friendship to be passed down from generation to generation.

The China-South Africa relationship is standing at a new historical starting point. It has gone beyond the bilateral scope and carries increasingly important global influence. During my forthcoming visit, I look forward to working with President Ramaphosa to chart the plan for a new chapter of our comprehensive strategic partnership.

President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping. Picture: Supplied

China and South Africa should be fellow companions sharing the same ideals.

As an ancient Chinese saying goes, “A partnership forged with the right approach defies distance; it is thicker than glue and stronger than metal and rock.”

We need to increase our experience sharing on governance, and firmly support each other in independently exploring a path to modernization that suits our respective national conditions. We should fear no hegemony, and work with each other as real partners to push forward our relations amid the changing international landscape.

China and South Africa should be pacesetters for solidarity and cooperation.

We will succeed because of our biggest strengths in high economic complementarity and the solid foundation for cooperation.

We need to further synergise development strategies, promote stronger cooperation in infrastructure, digital economy, scientific and technological innovation and energy transition, and ensure that more people of our two countries will benefit from the development outcomes.

China welcomes more South African products to its market, and encourages more Chinese companies to invest and do business in South Africa as an effort of support for South Africa’s target to double its inbound investment over the next five-year period.

China and South Africa should be inheritors of China-Africa friendship.

We need to leverage the all-round, multi-tiered and institutionalized mechanisms for people-to-people exchanges between our two countries, and continue to advance exchanges and cooperation in culture, tourism, education, sports, media, universities, sub-national governments and the youth. We must keep the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation as alive and strong as ever across the vast lands of China and Africa.

China and South Africa should be champions of our common interests.

What the world needs today is peace, not conflict; what the world wants is coordination, not confrontation. China and South Africa, as natural members of the Global South, should all the more work together to appeal for greater voice and influence of developing countries in international affairs, promote accelerated reform of international financial institutions, and oppose unilateral sanctions and the “small yard, high fence” approach. We should jointly safeguard our common interests.

The BRICS Summit is another important agenda during my visit to South Africa. This is the third time for the Summit to take place on this continent brimming with vibrancy and hope. I still have vivid memories of the Summit in the picturesque Sanya, China’s Hainan Province, when South Africa made the formal debut as a member of the BRICS family.

Over the past 12 years, South Africa has made important contributions to the development of BRICS cooperation mechanism, further substantiating BRICS cooperation and extending its influence.

Now more and more countries are knocking on the door of BRICS, aspiring to join our cooperation.

This is a testament to the vitality and influence of the BRICS cooperation mechanism. China is ready to work with fellow BRICS partners to act on the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, build consensus on important issues, carry forward our tradition of independent diplomacy, and resolutely uphold international equity and justice. We will urge the international community to refocus on development issues, promote a greater role by the BRICS cooperation mechanism in global governance, and make the voice of BRICS stronger.

It has been ten years since I put forth “sincerity, real results, amity and good faith” as the principles for China to develop its relations with Africa. The past decade has witnessed our joint pursuit of a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era, and the completion and handover of a host of projects including the Africa CDC Headquarters, the Foundiougne Bridge in Senegal, the Nairobi Expressway and the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway, renewing China-Africa friendship across the vast lands of China and Africa.

In face of the profound changes unseen in a century, a strong China-Africa relationship and productive China-Africa cooperation will provide more fresh impetus to global development and ensure greater stability of the world.

This is an international responsibility and historical mission entrusted to the 2.8 billion Chinese and African peoples. We will convene a China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue.

I will work with African leaders to bring more active, effective and sustainable development initiatives to Africa, expand cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing, new energy and digital economy, and facilitate Africa’s economic integration, industrialization and agricultural modernization. China will continue to work for substantive progress in African Union’s joining of the G20 this year, and looks forward to a greater role by African countries and the AU in international and regional affairs.

As an ancient Chinese poem goes, “With high tide and tailwind, it is time to sail a smooth ride.”

Looking ahead into the next 25 years, the giant ship of China-South Africa friendship and cooperation will sail forward, and we will make even greater progress in the building of a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era as well as the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

* Xi Jinping is the President of the People’s Republic of China.

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC- CHINA TIES

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC- CHINA TIES

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC- CHINA TIES

During their stay in the Central African Republic, medical experts from China conduct treatment while also teaching their know-how of Chinese medicine to the Central African population. They continue to write the moving story of friendship between China and Africa.

As Presidentl Xi Jinping pointed out, they are not just angels in white coats saving the dying and caring for the wounded, they are also messengers of China – Africa friendship.

The Chinese Medical Practitioners are the 19th Chinese medical aid team to the Central African Republic set out from Jiaxing city, Zhejiang province, for an 18-month overseas medical aid mission. Their specialties include neurology, ophthalmology, gynecology and acupuncture, among others.

Story by Sarah Marjorey Kisakye

Back to China!

Back to China!

Back to China!

International students have started physical classroom learning after 3 years of online modeled teaching.

Many international students are thrilled to be back to study in China or start their academic journey after China Reopened to International Students after more 3 years of the Covid 19 pandemic.

China eased its border restrictions and quarantine requirements late last year, 2022.

The Eastern Tiger is one of the most sort after destinations for International students, largely attributed to more scholarship opportunities, relatively cheaper tuition dues and cost of living compared to many other countries.

Security and variable employment opportunities after graduation are also other considering factors that have led to made China’s popularity among international students.

Chinese Youth Artist promotes African friendship

Chinese Youth Artist promotes African friendship

Chinese Youth Artist promotes African friendship

Hello everyone, I am Oscar Yang, and I’m 24 years old.
I come from China in Jinhe Town, Genhe City, Inner Mongolia, and I have lived in Beijing since 2014.
I started drawing new friends I have meet from other countries after attending the Spanish Day event that was held at the Cervantes Institute in Beijing in 2016 and the USTB International Cultural Festival in 2017, I made friends from several African, Caribbean and Latin American countries, and over the years, I have committed to developing the cause of friendly cooperation and exchange with people from different cultures than I. My art is my way of building a bridge of shared community and future for mankind and promoting the development of friendly cooperation and mutual assistance among countries in the world.

Interviewed by Sarah Marjorey

Nigerian Central Bank Says It Didn’t Direct Commercial Banks To Collect Old N500, N1000 Notes

Nigerian Central Bank Says It Didn’t Direct Commercial Banks To Collect Old N500, N1000 Notes

Earlier today, the CBN authorities had confirmed to journalists and to some banks that it authorised the deposits, only to rescind its decision hours later

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has made confusing statements, noting that it did not direct the commercial banks to allow the deposit of old N500 and N1,000 notes.

This was contained in a statement released by Osita Nwanisobi, CBN’s Director of Corporate Communications on Friday, claiming that the apex bank is only reissuing and recirculating the old N200 banknotes and which is expected to circulate as legal tender for 60 days up to April 10, 2023, in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s national broadcast on Thursday.Earlier today, the CBN authorities had confirmed to journalists and to some banks that it authorised the deposits, only to rescind its decision hours later.As a result, the apex bank urged the general public to disregard any message and/or information not formally released by the bank on this subject, and advised media practitioners to verify any information from the correct sources before publication.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria has been drawn to some fake and unauthorised messages quoting the CBN as having authorized the Deposit Money Banks to collect the old N500 and N1,000 Banknotes. For the avoidance of doubt, and in line with Mr. President’s broadcast of February 16, 2023, the CBN has been directed to ONLY reissue and recirculate the old N200 banknotes and this is expected to circulate as legal tender for 60 days up to April 10, 2023. Members of the public should therefore disregard any message and/or information not formally released by the Central Bank of Nigeria on this subject.Media practitioners are advised to PLEASE verify any information from the correct sources before publication,” the statement added.

The African School in China.

The African School in China.

China-Equatorial Guinea Friendship Primary School

As soon as you enter the school building, you are welcomed by the brightly done paintings and calligraphy works full on the walls, delighting your eyes and heart. The works displayed on the walls are all made by the teachers and students of the school.
One of the walls, is written the Chinese inscription, “Long live China-Africa friendship”

The “China-Equatorial Guinea Friendship Primary School”, founded in 1918, was originally named Jinping County No. 1 Primary School. It is one-hundred-year-old school. The Government of Equatorial Guinea and China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs play departmental tasks towards the development of the school.
The school has been a big tie factor in cementing “China-Equatorial Guinea Friendship. More developmental work was recently made on the school in June 2016, seeing the grand opening of a five-story teaching building and a sports field.
Through this school, the young Chinese learn more about African countries and develop a great passion for Africa.

The new teaching building was named “Friendship Building”, with a total of 20 classrooms. Among the series of special exhibition rooms on the first floor, is the Equatorial Guinea dedication exhibition room, which is particularly eye-catching. On the wall of the exhibition room, a student wrote: “What is friendship? Friendship is caring, friendship is mutual assistance, friendship is spring breeze, and friendship is the driving force for one’s progress.”
Bathed in the spring breeze of friendship, the school has expanded from the original 32 teaching classes with 1,600 students to 45 teaching classes with more than 2,000 students. The configuration of the library, painting room, and other functional rooms also provide the necessary foundation for students’ hobbies. The students are glad to show off their talents of calligraphy, paintings, dancing and singing.
The interesting interaction is quite a unique experience, rich with a history of friendship between the two countries and how it has remained operational for years.
The Principal of the school,
In China, youth are taught to love and serve their country, as well as having clear visions and skills to serve national interests.
In photos :Ms. Ran Hong Yang poses for a photograph and a storied class building, students keenly attending a class.

Story by Sarah Marjorey Kisakye

<strong>Africa and China have developed a fruitful partnership to address the agricultural challenges of African countries</strong>

Africa and China have developed a fruitful partnership to address the agricultural challenges of African countries

The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund predicted very recently that the global economic growth will slow down. The IMF, however, pointed out that output would be more resilient than previously anticipated, inter alia, due to the reopening of China’s economy and that a global recession would probably be avoided.

Despite these cautious predictions, Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank, expressed a more positive outlook for Africa on Jan 19, saying that the continent is “set to outperform the rest of the world in economic growth over the next two years, with real gross domestic product (growth) averaging around 4 percent in 2023 and 2024 “.

An AfDB report furthermore reflected that all the continent’s five regions remain resilient with a steady outlook for the medium-term, despite facing significant headwinds due to global socio-economic shocks. As regards sub-Saharan Africa, the IMF anticipates that its economic growth will increase moderately to 3.8 percent in 2023 and climb to 4.1 percent in 2024.

The AfDB, however, cautioned in its report that risks including tightening global financial conditions, with the associated increase in domestic debt service costs as well as soaring food and energy prices as a result of climate change with its damaging impact on domestic food supply, continue to pose considerable threats to the continent.

Agriculture is a major source of income for most of the rural population of vast parts of Africa. It accounts for half of total employment and more than 32 percent of Africa’s gross domestic product.

Africa has substantial agro-ecological resources but for many reasons, the significant potential of the continent’s agricultural growth has yet to be realized. Paradoxically, food security, for one, is not assured. An “agricultural revolution” is needed with enhanced modernization, seeking solutions through technology transfers, mechanization and increased productivity.

It is in this context that African governments have consistently viewed agriculture as an important driver of growth, development and jobs on the continent. The AU adopted the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme in 2003, a framework with the aim to accelerate coordinated economic and structural transformation by improving agricultural productivity, increasing investment and sharing knowledge.

While many challenges require urgent attention, one of the top priorities is establishing food security which is crucial for sustainable economic development and the long-term prosperity of the African continent. At least one in five Africans goes to bed hungry and an estimated 140 million people in Africa face acute food insecurity, according to the 2022 Global Report on Food Crises 2022 Mid-Year Update produced by the UN World Food Programme, UN Food and Agriculture Organization and other specialized organizations.

Projections show that by 2050, Africa’s population will double. By 2100, one in three people on Earth will be African. Sub-Saharan Africa is home to more than 1 billion people, half of whom will be under the age of 25 years by 2050.

Considering the importance of the agricultural sector for a large segment of the African population, many African countries, while continuing to make progress, are in need of technical assistance to attain higher agricultural growth and find sustainable solutions to their food security challenges. African countries are therefore calling for more international cooperation, focusing on resources, technology, and development support to transform Africa’s agricultural sector.

Agriculture is a significant part of Africa-China cooperation and is of fundamental interest to both sides. Since the decolonization of Africa, China has transferred advanced Chinese agro-food technology to Africa in order to support the continent to mitigate its agricultural challenges. The goal is to leverage Africa and China’s public and private resources such as funding, product and technology and knowledge to promote and sustain inclusive agriculture transformation in Africa. With its many strengths, China’s agricultural development model has proven to be especially valuable to African countries in their endeavors to improve agro-productivity and meet their real and own needs.

Many Africa-China agreements were therefore concluded over the past decade or two to enhance cooperation on agricultural modernization, development of agro-industries, capacity building of young pioneers in farm development, and to increase the export potential of agricultural products as well as food security.

Registering an average annual growth of 14 percent, the trade volume of agricultural products between Africa and China has huge growth potential. But the relationship is not just about trade. According to the Chinese government, nearly 10,000 agricultural officials, technicians, farmers and students from African countries receive training in China each year.

The Chinese government has also launched cooperation programs with agricultural research institutes in more than a dozen African nations and established agricultural technology demonstration centers in 23 African countries which have actively facilitated the ongoing transfer of technology and skills from China to the continent. China continues to strengthen cooperation to help Africa’s agricultural development and poverty eradication efforts, including the appreciated initiative of sending 500 agricultural experts to the continent over the next three years.

The establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2000 has injected significant momentum into agricultural cooperation, delivering tangible outcomes to the African people and also toward the implementation of the AU Agenda 2063 and UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The FOCAC Dakar Action Plan of 2021 includes a number of constructive proposals to extend agricultural cooperation to include the whole industry chain and to continue to share experiences in job creation and poverty reduction through agriculture with a strong focus on alleviating food security. Also of increasing significance is the agreement to advance comprehensive cooperation on climate change with the aim of transitioning to clean and low-carbon energy and to improve the quality of the continent’s development with green cooperation.

Given China’s reputation as a staunch defender of world food security and contributor to global poverty reduction, Africa attaches great importance to its mutually beneficial agricultural cooperation with China which has rapidly grown, establishing a solid foundation for enhanced practical cooperation in the future. Africa welcomes China’s declared approach of strengthening international cooperation with all countries in the interest of global economic growth, development and promotion of economic re-globalization.

The long-standing friendship and excellent relations between China and Africa were strongly reaffirmed by the highly constructive visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang to five African countries last month. Africa is of the view, with the support of China, that the continent should be “a stage for international cooperation, not a wrestling ground for major-power rivalry” as was so eloquently stated by Qin during his visit to Ethiopia.

Minister Qin Gang’s New Year’s Video Message to Diplomatic Missions in China

Minister Qin Gang’s New Year’s Video Message to Diplomatic Missions in China

Your Excellencies Ambassadors,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Representatives of International Organizations,

Friends,

As a Chinese poem reads, “Plum blossoms in winter signal the arrival of spring for all things.” The Spring Festival is just around the corner. On behalf of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, I would like to convey to you, your families and your colleagues our sincere greetings and best wishes for the Chinese New Year. 

The year 2022 was truly eventful for both China and the world. The once-in-a-century pandemic was compounded by the rise of geopolitical conflict. Decades of gains in global development were eroded. Food and energy security were disrupted. Some country engaged in hegemonic, domineering and bullying practices, stoked ideological and bloc confrontation, and pushed the world to the edge of division and conflict. On the other hand, it is encouraging to see that people in all countries demonstrated a stronger desire for peace, development and cooperation, a firmer resolve to uphold independence and seek strength in unity, and greater determination to create a better future with joint efforts. Given the shared aspiration of the people and the prevailing trend of the times, the future of humankind will be promising.

In 2022, the Communist Party of China (CPC) successfully convened its 20th National Congress. It drew up an ambitious blueprint for advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization, set out China’s foreign policy goal of safeguarding world peace and promoting common development, and reaffirmed China’s commitment to building a community with a shared future for mankind. With a global vision and a strong sense of responsibility, China’s diplomacy made new contributions to the noble cause of peace and development for humanity.

Over the past year, China’s head-of-state diplomacy was immensely successful, providing guidance and impetus to greater solidarity and cooperation. The snowflake-shaped cauldron at the Beijing Winter Olympics symbolized the unity of the family of nations. The Global Security Initiative and the Global Development Initiative helped forge stronger global consensus and synergy. The three overseas visits made by President Xi Jinping gathered international support for delivering the vision of a community with a shared future, and steered the ship of global cooperation through heavy seas and toward a bright future.

Over the past year, China’s opening-up and cooperation deepened, providing a strong boost to global recovery. With the expansion of the Belt and Road family, 151 countries and 32 international organizations have joined in this global enterprise to build a belt of prosperity and a road to happiness. The High-level Dialogue on Global Development was successfully held. And the official launch of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), covering the world’s largest free trade area, created a stronger engine for the global economy. The fifth China International Import Expo attracted a huge turnout. Inbound foreign investment bucked the trend and continued to grow. China, with its door wide open, shared great opportunities with all countries.

Over the past year, China fulfilled its responsibilities for global governance and firmly defended the international order. We pushed for the adoption of the new biodiversity framework and achieved steady progress toward the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, making every effort to protect planet Earth, our common home. We kept to the direction of promoting peace talks in complex crises and contributed the largest share of debt service suspension among G20 countries, making every effort to tackle common challenges. We firmly rejected hegemonism and power politics, and opposed zero-sum mentality and a new Cold War, making every effort to uphold true multilateralism.

In 2022, members of the diplomatic corps worked tirelessly to build bridges of communication and understanding, and strengthened the bond of mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the rest of the world. I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to you all.

Friends,

The year 2023 marks the beginning of the full implementation of the guiding principles laid out at the 20th CPC National Congress. The Chinese people are embarking on a new journey with full confidence to build China into a modern socialist country in all respects. We in the diplomatic service will keep to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy and stand firmly on the right side of history and on the side of human progress. We will deepen friendship and cooperation with all countries to jointly make new and greater contributions to world peace and prosperity.

In 2023, we look forward to a more peaceful and stable world free from war and conflict. Peace, like air and sunshine, is hardly noticeable when we benefit from it. But none of us can live without it. Preserving peace requires the concerted efforts of us all. China will remain committed to an independent foreign policy of peace and to the path of peaceful development. China’s development will always be a boost to the force for peace in the world. We call on all countries to pursue common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, resolve conflicts and disputes through negotiation and consultation, and support all efforts that are conducive to peaceful settlement of crises, to light up the world with the sunshine of peace.

In 2023, we look forward to a more united and cooperative world free from fragmentation and confrontation. Humanity sharing a common future is an indisputable reality, and solidarity and cooperation is the only viable path toward a brighter future. China will deepen and expand equal, open and cooperative partnerships, promote coordination and sound interactions among major countries, enhance friendship, mutual trust and convergence of interests with neighboring countries, and strengthen unity and friendship with fellow developing countries. China encourages the international community to foster a collective sense of unity, intensify cooperation as an underlying trend, and reject the outdated Cold War mentality and the pursuit of exclusive circles. We need to pool our wisdom and strength to deliver greater benefits to people across the world.

In 2023, we look forward to a more open and integrated world free from seclusion and isolation. Openness brings progress while seclusion leads to regression. It is impossible to channel the water in the ocean of the world economy back into isolated creeks and lakes. China will remain firm in advancing high-level opening-up and fostering the new development paradigm at a faster pace, continuing to provide the world with new opportunities with its new progress. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by President Xi Jinping. Thanks to the joint efforts of all participants, the BRI has become a sunshine boulevard that connects roads, promotes mutual benefit and brings hearts closer. We wish to work with all parties to review past achievements and draw up the blueprint for a new decade of Belt and Road cooperation.

In 2023, we look forward to a more prosperous world with greater development, free from wider gaps between North and South. It is neither fair nor sustainable if the poor are made poorer while the rich become richer. The fruits of development should benefit more people across countries in a more equitable way. The Chinese path to modernization offers a new option for the modernization of humanity, and China will contribute more ideas and strength to making global development more balanced, coordinated and inclusive. We will continue to support the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, promote a global development partnership, and support fellow developing countries in enhancing their own capacity for development. We also hope that developed countries will honor their commitments and meet their responsibilities. No country or individual should be left behind on the journey of common development.

Friends,

We will soon bid farewell to the Year of the Tiger and usher in the Year of the Rabbit. In Chinese culture, rabbit symbolizes kindness, intelligence and vitality, and the Year of the Rabbit is a year of hope. In the new year, we stand ready to work with all of you to take China’s friendship and cooperation with your countries to a new height and write a new chapter of world peace and development and human progress.

Thank you.

尊敬的各位使节、各位代表、各位朋友:

“一枝梅破腊,万象渐回春。”中国传统新春佳节将至,我谨代表中国外交部,向各位驻华使节和代表,以及你们的家人和同事,致以诚挚的问候和新春的祝福!

刚刚过去的2022年,对中国和世界各国都是极不寻常的一年。世纪疫情的阴霾未散,地缘冲突的硝烟又起,全球多年发展成果遭到吞噬,粮食、能源安全受到冲击。个别国家趁机大搞霸权霸道霸凌、煽动意识形态对立和阵营对抗,把世界推向分裂冲突的边缘。令人欣慰的是,各国人民求和平、谋发展、促合作的愿望更加强烈,独立自主、团结自强的意志更加鲜明,并肩携手、共创未来的步伐更加坚定,人心所向、大势所趋决定了人类前途终归光明。

2022年,中共二十大胜利召开,擘画了以中国式现代化全面推进中华民族伟大复兴的宏伟蓝图,也明确了中国始终坚持维护世界和平、促进共同发展的外交政策宗旨,致力于推动构建人类命运共同体。中国外交坚持胸怀天下,勇于担当进取,为人类和平与发展崇高事业作出了新的贡献。

一年来,中国的元首外交精彩纷呈,引领促进团结合作。北京冬奥会一朵雪花,诠释了“天下一家”。安全与发展两大倡议,汇聚起共识合力。习近平主席三次出访,推动命运共同体意识跨越山海、落地生根,指引同舟共济的航程劈波斩浪、驶向未来。

一年来,中国的开放合作持续深化,有力推动全球复苏。“一带一路”大家庭不断扩大,目前已有151个国家、32个国际组织共建繁荣带、幸福路。全球发展高层对话会成功召开,全球最大自贸区《区域全面经济伙伴关系协定》正式启动,世界经济有了更强劲引擎。第五届中国国际进口博览会盛况空前,外资流入逆势增长,敞开大门的中国,同各国分享广阔机遇。

一年来,中国为全球治理担当尽责,坚定维护国际秩序。推动达成新的生物多样性框架,稳步迈向“双碳”目标,全力呵护地球家园。在复杂危机中坚持劝和促谈方向,在二十国集团中贡献最大缓债总额,全力应对共同挑战。坚决反对霸权主义和强权政治,反对零和思维和“新冷战”,全力维护真正的多边主义。

过去这一年,驻华使节和外交官们不辞辛劳,致力于在中国和世界各国之间搭建沟通理解的桥梁,增强互利合作的纽带,在此我向大家表示衷心的感谢!

各位朋友,

2023年是我们全面贯彻落实中共二十大精神的开局之年,中国人民正意气风发迈上全面建设社会主义现代化国家新征程。中国外交将以习近平外交思想为指引,坚定站在历史正确的一边、站在人类文明进步的一边,同各国深化友谊、加强合作,共同为世界和平与繁荣作出新的更大贡献。

2023年,我们期待世界更加和平安宁,远离冲突战乱。和平犹如空气和阳光,受益而不觉,失之则难存,需要各国共同维护。中国坚定奉行独立自主的和平外交政策,始终不渝走和平发展道路,中国的发展永远是世界和平力量的增长。我们倡导各国坚持共同、综合、合作、可持续的安全观,通过谈判消弭冲突,通过协商化解争端,支持一切有利于和平解决危机的努力,让和平的阳光照亮世界。

2023年,我们期待世界更加团结合作,摒弃分裂对抗。命运与共是人类社会的客观现实,团结合作是开创未来的人间正道。我们将深化拓展平等、开放、合作的伙伴关系,促进大国协调和良性互动,深化同周边国家友好互信和利益融合,厚植同广大发展中国家的团结友谊,推动国际社会营造团结大家庭、唱响合作主旋律,抛弃冷战旧思维、反对排他“小圈子”,集众智、汇众力,更好造福世界各国人民。

2023年,我们期待世界更加开放融合,打破封闭隔绝。开放带来进步,封闭导致落后,世界经济的大海不可能退回到小河流、小湖泊。中国坚定不移推进高水平对外开放,加快构建新发展格局,将不断以中国新发展为世界提供新机遇。今年是习近平主席提出共建“一带一路”十周年,在各方携手努力下,这一倡议已经成为一条路联通、利融通、心相通的阳光大道。我们愿同各方共同回顾成就、描绘蓝图,开启“一带一路”合作新的十年。

2023年,我们期待世界更加发展繁荣,缩小南北鸿沟。贫者愈贫、富者愈富既不公平也不可持续,要让发展成果更多更公平惠及各国人民。中国式现代化为人类实现现代化提供了新的选择,中国将为促进全球平衡、协调、包容发展贡献更多智慧和力量。我们将继续支持联合国2030年可持续发展议程,推动构建全球发展伙伴关系,支持发展中国家提高自主发展能力,也希望发达国家践行承诺、履行义务,在共同发展的路上不让任何一个国家、任何一个人掉队。

各位朋友,

金虎辞岁去,玉兔迎春来。在中华文化中,兔是善良、智慧、生机的象征。兔年是孕育希望的年份。我们愿同各位使节和代表一道,在新的一年里,推动中国与世界各国的友好合作再上新台阶,为世界和平与发展和人类进步事业谱写新篇章!

谢谢!

President Ramaphosa extends Lunar New Year wishes to Government and people of China

President Ramaphosa extends Lunar New Year wishes to Government and people of China

President Cyril Ramaphosa extends his best wishes to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China on the occasion of the Chinese Lunar New Year and Annual Spring Festival.

President Ramaphosa has, on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, expressed his wish that the advent of the Year of the Rabbit will indeed endow citizens of the People’s Republic of China with the longevity, peace and prosperity associated with the zodiac sign for the year ahead.

South Africa values the vibrant economic relations and political cooperation that characterise its partnership with the People’s Republic of China.

President Ramaphosa said: “My dear brothers and sisters from China and all Chinese communities around the world: I wish you all a happy Lunar New Year and a prosperous Spring Festival 2023.

“On behalf of the Government and People of South Africa, I wish the Government and the people of China, including here in South Africa, a happy and fulfilling time of goodwill, celebration and friendship, as you renew the bonds between friends or reunite with family during this period.”

“As we enter the New Year, we are also celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of South Africa and the People’s Republic of China in 1998.

“In addition, South Africa will succeed China as Chair and host of the next BRICS Summit, during which we hope to receive His Excellency, President Xi Jinping in South Africa. These occasions provide ample cause for celebration.”

China to scrap quarantine requirement for international arrivals

China to scrap quarantine requirement for international arrivals

China will scrap the quarantine requirement for international arrivals starting January 8, 2023, the country’s National Health Commission (NHC) said in a statement on Monday.

NHC said passengers traveling to China need to take nucleic acid test within 48 hours before boarding their flights to China, adding that nucleic acid screenings and centralized isolation after arrival will be canceled.

“In light of the international epidemic situation and service capacity, the outbound travel of Chinese citizens will be resumed in an orderly manner,” NHC said.

In addition, NHC noted that China has renamed the novel coronavirus pneumonia as novel coronavirus infection.

China will also downgrade management of the disease from Class A to Class B in accordance with the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Disease, starting January 8, the statement added.