ENHANCED DIPLOMATIC COOPERATION BETWEEN CHINA AND SOUTH AFRICA IN THE EARLY 21ST CENTURY
Abstract
This study explores the extent diplomatic relations between China and South Africa strengthened significantly in the early 21st century, transitioning from a strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership (2006). This transformed China into South Africa's largest trading partner and a significant source of investment, consolidating both countries' positions in global politics. Since China and South Africa established diplomatic relations, the relationship between the two countries has achieved remarkable development, transcended the scope of bilateral relations and become increasingly influential. Particularly in recent years, China-South Africa relations have consistently maintained a high level, with mutual political trust, practical cooperation, cultural exchanges, and strategic coordination deepening. This study utilizes a combination of primary and secondary data, along with statistical analysis and comparisons of official literature, academic research, and media sources. The study concludes by discussing and predicting the factors influencing the strengthening of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa in the current period.
Downloads
References
Duc, M., Trung, H. (2023), A brief overview of the competition for influence among major powers in the African region, National Defense Magazine.
Funeka, A. (2014), Perspectives on South Africa-China Relations at 15 Years, JSTOR Mission and History, South Africa-China Diplomatic Relations and their Impact on the Global Platform.
Gang, L. (2023), The Difficult Journey of Establishing Diplomatic Relations Between China and South Africa, China Academic Journal Electronic Publishing House.
Hang, N (2025), EU-China Competition in Africa and Prospects for Future Cooperation, Strategic Studies Journal.
Hien, N., Phuong, H. (2007), Strengthening China-Africa relations in the political and diplomatic sphere since the Cold War era, Journal of African and Middle Eastern Studies.
Hua, Y. (2023), Strategic Choices for Establishing Diplomatic Relations Between China and South Africa, China Academic Journal Electronic Publishing House.
Mai, H. (2011), China's Policy Towards Africa, Communist Magazine.
Nguyen, N. (2007), China-Africa Relations in the Late 20th and Early 21st Centuries, Journal of African and Middle Eastern Studies.
Shan, L. (2024), Policy practice towards Africa in China's global strategy, Journal of Strategic Studies (China).
Thanh, L. (2017), China-Africa Relations in the Early 21st Century, Social Sciences Publishing House.
Ting, L. (2014), Achievements and Challenges of China's Economic Diplomacy with South Africa, Xinyu University Journal, April 2014, Vol. 19, No. 2.
Zhan, J. (2018), The process of establishing diplomatic relations between China and South Africa, International Political Studies Journal, 2018, issue 3.
The authors and co-authors warrant that the article is their original work, does not infringe any copyright, and has not been published elsewhere. By submitting the article to GPH-International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research, the authors agree that the journal has the right to retract or remove the article in case of proven ethical misconduct.
