Author: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of South Africa.

China and South Africa are both big developing countries of major influence. Fourteen years since the establishment of diplomatic ties on January 1, 1998, bilateral relations have witnessed fast, multi-facet and all-round growth. Mutual trust has been steadily enhanced and deepened along with frequent exchanges of high-level visits. China-South African relations have witnessed three major leaps over the years. In 2000, during Chinese President Jiang Zemin's visit to South Africa, the two countries signed the Pretoria Declaration on partnership relations. In 2004, China and South Africa further defined their relations as strategic partnership of equality, mutual benefit and common development. In 2010, when President Jacob Zuma first visited China, he signed the Beijing Declaration with Chinese President Hu Jintao, establishing the comprehensive strategic partnership. Effective mechanisms have been set up along the way, providing important forums for fruitful discussions and exchanges. The China-South Africa Bi-National Commission was established in 2000, under which five sectoral committees, respectively on diplomatic affairs, trade, education, science and technology, and defense, have been set up. The Mechanism of Strategic Dialogue, established in 2008, has completed four rounds of meetings. The Parliamentary Regular Exchange Mechanism of the two countries was set up in 2011, and has already conducted two rounds of talks.