On March 11, 2025, the Consul General of China in Johannesburg, Mr. Pan Qingjiang, met with the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Mr. Dada Morero, to discuss opportunities for strengthening bilateral relations between China and South Africa. The meeting underscored China’s commitment to fostering deeper cooperation and providing developmental opportunities that could benefit Johannesburg and the broader South African economy.
During the discussion, Mr. Pan provided an overview of China’s recent “Two Sessions,” namely the Third Session of the 14th National People’s Congress and the Third Session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. These sessions, key events in China’s political calendar, set the country’s direction for governance, economic development, and international engagement. He highlighted China’s ongoing efforts to advance comprehensive reform, high-quality development, and higher-standard opening-up policies. These initiatives, he emphasized, aim to create more opportunities for global partnerships, including with South Africa, while ensuring stable energy solutions and economic growth.
In response, Mayor Morero praised China’s remarkable economic achievements and its development strategies. He acknowledged China’s successful governance models and expressed a keen interest in learning from the Asian economic giant. He noted that Johannesburg, as South Africa’s economic hub, stands to benefit from insights into urban management, infrastructure development, and economic policies that have propelled China’s growth.
A key topic of discussion between the two leaders was sub-national engagement. As China and South Africa continue to enjoy strong diplomatic relations, local-level cooperation has become increasingly vital in driving economic and social progress. The meeting explored ways to deepen city-to-city collaborations, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, and technology transfer.
China has long been a significant partner in Johannesburg’s development, with numerous Chinese enterprises operating in the city across various sectors, including construction, telecommunications, and finance. By strengthening ties at the municipal level, both parties aim to enhance economic exchanges, create employment opportunities, and promote sustainable urban development.
Beyond economic cooperation, cultural and educational exchanges also formed part of the discussions. China has been actively supporting educational initiatives in South Africa, including scholarships and training programs for young professionals. Enhancing people-to-people exchanges between Johannesburg and Chinese cities could further solidify the strong foundation of mutual understanding and collaboration.
The meeting between Consul General Pan Qingjiang and Executive Mayor Dada Morero reaffirms the enduring partnership between China and South Africa. It highlights the shared vision for economic growth, innovation, and governance improvements. Moving forward, both sides are expected to build on these discussions to implement concrete initiatives that will drive development and foster stronger relations between Johannesburg and China.
As China continues to expand its global footprint through strategic partnerships, engagements like these play a pivotal role in shaping a more interconnected world. The collaboration between Johannesburg and China will not only benefit both parties but also contribute to the broader China-Africa relationship, paving the way for sustainable development and economic prosperity
