Strengthening Ties: China marks 76 years of the People's Republic

The Chinese Embassy in Pretoria on Thursday hosted a grand celebration to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. 

The event brought together politicians, members of the diplomatic corps, and people from all walks of life to join the Chinese community in honouring China’s significant milestone. 

Although the actual National Day falls on October 1, the embassy hosted this gathering to foster goodwill and strengthen bilateral ties between China and South Africa.

Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, expressed sincere appreciation to friends and partners who have supported China's growth and nurtured the strong bond between China and South Africa. 

Over the past 76 years, he said, the Communist Party of China has successfully led the Chinese people in achieving remarkable development milestones, paving the way for Chinese modernisation. 

He also mentioned that China's economic growth has been impressive, with its GDP increasing by 5.3% year-on-year in the first half of this year.

Despite facing rapidly changing international dynamics and increased external pressure, China has demonstrated remarkable resilience and potential, achieving notable economic growth. 

Wu highlighted China's transformation from the "world's factory" to a high-value-added manufacturing and innovation-driven economy. 

With over 5 million graduates for science, technology, engineering and mathematics annually, he said China is transforming its demographic dividend into a talent dividend, experiencing a shift from "Made in China" to "Intelligent Manufacturing in China".

He added that China has established a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence sector, cultivating over 400 "little giant" enterprises in AI, accounting for one-tenth of the global AI industry.

According to him, the country has also become the world's top producer of new energy vehicles, with over 13 million units produced annually.

Wu emphasised the special bond between China and South Africa, describing the relationship as "comrades and brothers".

“The friendly exchanges and practical cooperation between China and South Africa have expanded across various fields. China remains South Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years. South African wines, avocados, and other quality products are very popular among many Chinese consumers,” he said.

He said over 200 Chinese enterprises have invested and built operations in South Africa, creating more than 400,000 local jobs. 

“Mutual understanding and friendship between our peoples continue to deepen. More and more people in South Africa are becoming interested in and enthusiastic about the Chinese-language and Chinese culture,” he said.

Wu recounted that thousands of South African educators teach English in China, while Chinese universities like Beijing Foreign Studies University have over 20 African language programs, including Zulu, and Ndebele.

Wu also highlighted China's commitment to promoting global governance and cooperation. President Xi Jinping's Global Governance Initiative, centered on five core concepts, aims to establish a more just and equitable global governance system, he said. 

He expressed optimism that China is looking forward to continuing working with South Africa to uphold true multilateralism, defend international fairness and justice, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.

As South Africa prepares to host the G20 Summit in less than two months, Wu said China fully supports South Africa's Presidency and looks forward to a successful Johannesburg Summit. 

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Blade Nzimande congratulated China for its historical accomplishments, saying the country has risen from profound challenges to become a beacon of development, innovation and modernisation over the past seven decades.

“The transformation of China is not only a source of pride for the Chinese people but also a source of inspiration for the entire Global South,” he said. 

He said the celebration marked a remarkable journey of national resilience, unity and community development.

Wu also remarked that this year also marks the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the world anti-fascist war, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. 

“As a victorious nation in World War II and a founding member of the UN, China has consistently been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a provider of public good,” he said.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za