China celebrates 75 years marked by change!

CHINA turns 75 in grand style!

Celebrations took place at the Chinese embassy in Tshwane on Thursday, 26 September.

Dignitaries were invited to celebrate this important occasion.

Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, who was among invited officials, conveyed heartfelt congratulations to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the government of China.

"It's a great honour and a privilege for me to represent the government of South Africa at this joyful event. Both countries entered a new era in bilateral relations," Kubai said.

She further said since 1998, during the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations, the reality was reflected by the continuous growth in the volume of total bilateral trade between the two countries.

"As a cabinet minister in the Government of National Unity, its foreign policy remains unchanged, based, inter alia, on our Constitution and the bill of rights centred on the historic principle of progressive internationalism," she said.

Kubayi said that Mzansi was ecstatic that it has been included in the top 20 destinations that the government of China would be promoting.

"In this regard, I know my president is committed to hastening the implementation of the visa regime reforms which will contribute to tourism and enhance people-t-to-people relations."

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Kubayi said South Africa appreciated China's commitment to supporting its G20 presidency objectives in 2025.

Meanwhile, Chinese ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, expressed his sincere gratitude to friends from all communities who have long cared about and supported China's development and the China-South Africa relations.

"The past 75 years have witnessed huge changes for China. The Communist Party of China united and led the Chinese people of all ethnic groups to work diligently down the path of Chinese modernisation and together achieved rapid economic development and long-term social stability," Wu Peng said.

He said more than 70 years ago, China couldn't produce a single car.

"Watches, bicycles and sewing machines were all luxury items for quite a long time for the Chinese people. By 2023, China's automobile production and sales both exceeded 30 million vehicles. China's new big three, products electric vehicles, lithium batteries and solar cells combined, surpassed the milestone of one trillion Yuan in the value of total exports."

The ambassador said: "We just want to enjoy a better life."

He said China has always viewed solidarity and co-operation with African countries as an important cornerstone of their foreign policy.

"We're committed to being a reliable friend and sincere partner on African countries' paths to development and revitalisation."

He said in the first half of this year, China imported US$17,3 billion of goods from South Africa, a year-on-year increase of 10,7%. More than 200 Chinese companies have invested or started businesses in South Africa, creating more than 400 000 local jobs.