South Africa offers China gateway to 1.3 billion African consumers, says Mashatile

Mashatile

Cape Town – Deputy President Paul Mashatile has positioned South Africa as a “reliable supply base” for Chinese manufacturers, arguing that the country offers a strategic gateway into Africa’s 1.3 billion-strong consumer market.

Mashatile made the remarks during an official visit to Beijing on Monday, where he addressed delegates at the Fourth China International Supply Chain Expo held at the Shunyi Exhibition Centre.

According to NNA, he said South Africa’s participation reflects a commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with China through trade, investment and long-term industrial development. He added that South Africa provides Chinese firms with key advantages, including zero-tariff access for qualifying exports and entry into the African Continental Free Trade Area.

“South Africa’s participation reflects our commitment to deepening the economic partnership with China through trade, investment, and long-term industrial cooperation,” Mashatile said.

He urged Chinese and international companies to deepen partnerships with South Africa, describing the country as a strategic entry point into continental markets and global supply chains.

On Tuesday, Mashatile held bilateral talks with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing. The meeting followed their joint chairing of the 9th China–South Africa Bi-National Commission in Cape Town in March, which Han described as “a complete success”.

Han called for closer coordination between the two countries, urging both sides to deepen political trust and advance practical cooperation.

He said China and South Africa, as members of BRICS and the G20, should strengthen coordination on global governance and play a more active role in shaping the international economic order.

Mashatile reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to the one-China policy and stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations.

“We remain committed to deepening political trust and mutually beneficial cooperation with China,” he said, adding that South Africa stands ready to work with China to safeguard mutual core interests.

Meanwhile, South Africa has also been strengthening diplomatic engagement with Iran. According to The Citizen, Deputy Minister of International Relations Thandi Moraka hosted Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Dr Saeed Khatibzadeh in Pretoria on Tuesday.

The meeting reaffirmed support for the US–Iran peace memorandum and welcomed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, described as crucial for Africa’s energy and food security.

The diplomatic engagements drew criticism from US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III on social media platform X, where he questioned South Africa’s foreign policy positioning and suggested inconsistencies in its “non-aligned” stance.

In response, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) rejected the remarks, reaffirming South Africa’s sovereign right to conduct an independent foreign policy.

Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said the department had taken note of the comments but would not engage in public disputes with resident envoys.

He said South Africa’s foreign policy is firmly rooted in non-alignment.

“Non-alignment must not be conflated with neutrality; we refuse to be drawn into geopolitical contestations or be pressured to take sides; instead, we prioritise inclusive dialogue, global peace and our own national interests,” Phiri said.

He added that South Africa retains the right to engage with all international partners and noted that the United States itself continues to maintain relations with both China and Iran.

“Accordingly, we reserve the right to cultivate bilateral relations across the global spectrum,” he said.

The developments highlight South Africa’s balancing act as it deepens economic and diplomatic ties with major global powers while defending its non-aligned foreign policy stance.

Picture: X/@PresidencyZA

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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi

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