Speech by Chinese Consul General in Johannesburg Pan Qingjiang at the 2026 Chinese National Day Reception
(Oct. 9th, 2026, the Leonardo, Johannesburg）
Honourable Morakane Mosupyoe, Speaker of Gauteng Provincial Legislature,
Honourable Evan Botha, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, MECs of Gauteng,
Honourable Ntombizanele Sifuba, MEC of Free State,
Distinguished guests from National Assembly and Provincial Legislature, provincial and local governments, political parties, business, academia, media, non-governmental organizations and other sectors,
Fellow colleagues of the Consular Corps,
Dear compatriots,
Ladies and gentlemen, friends,
Good evening! A warm welcome and sincere gratitude to all guests for attending the reception marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. On behalf of the Chinese Consulate‑General in Johannesburg, I wish to pay high tribute to friends from all sectors who have long cared for and supported China’s development as well as China‑South Africa relations and sub‑national friendship. I also extend festive greetings to our Chinese compatriots.
Over the past 77 years, China has gone through trials and tribulations and achieved extraordinary accomplishments. The Communist Party of China (CPC) has led the Chinese people in achieving two miracles: rapid economic growth and enduring social stability. We have achieved the First Centenary Goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and are forging ahead toward the Second Centenary Goal of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects. This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC and the beginning of China’s 15th Five‑Year Plan. The Chinese economy has demonstrated strong resilience and vitality with its GDP exceeding 140‑trillion‑yuan mark last year. China will continue to promote innovation-driven, high-quality and sound economic development, take practical steps to safeguard and improve people's livelihoods of all ethnic groups. We have full confidence in the bright prospects of Chinese modernization.
China’s development has a global perspective and benefits the world. President Xi Jinping put forward the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, together with the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative. These initiatives have contributed China’s wisdom, solutions and strength to addressing global challenges and promoting world peace and development. From high‑quality Belt and Road cooperation to promoting the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation, the World Data Organization and the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, China has consistently demonstrated its sense of responsibility through concrete actions in contributing to the global economic growth, and the reform and improvement of the global governance system. China will firmly stand on the side of peace and development, on the side of fairness and justice, and on the right side of history, continuing to inject greater certainty and positive energy into a world fraught with changes and turbulence.
China-South Africa friendship has stood the test of time, and our practical cooperation has been yielding fruitful results. Guided by the two heads of state, the China-South Africa all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era has been further consolidated with the pie of bilateral cooperation keeping growing. China has remained South Africa’s largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years. China’s stock of direct investment in South Africa exceeds USD 11.7 billion, while bilateral trade volume has surpassed USD 53.5 billion. Nearly 300 Chinese enterprises have set up businesses in South Africa, contributing to the development of local industries and job creation. On 1 May this year, China fully implemented zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries with diplomatic ties with China, including South Africa. More high-quality South African products have gained access to the Chinese market. China stands ready to work with South Africa to deepen cooperation across all fields for greater benefits of the two peoples, further strengthen the collective strength of the Global South for the promotion of world peace and development.
Amity between the people holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. The recent years have witnessed increasingly close exchanges between China and Gauteng and Free State in all sectors and at various levels. Premier Mr. Panyaza Lesufi and Speaker Ms. Morakane Mosupyoe of Gauteng Province, Premier Ms. Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae of the Free State, and the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Mr. Dada Morero have paid successful visits to China respectively, with relevant mutual consensus on cooperation being translated steadily into tangible results. This year is the Year of China-Africa People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges. A rich variety of exchange activities across different sectors has further enhanced mutual learning, understanding and friendship between our peoples. To say two examples of intercultural exchange, many South African friends are enjoying Chinese tea and its ceremony, while many Chinese people are keen to learn how to play Djembe drums. With common strong commitment in particular to education, communities and young people, the Consulate-General has carried out many concrete initiatives and projects together with local governments and partners to promote inclusive social development, convey warmth and goodwill, and carry forward our traditional friendship. Today we are delighted to be joined by learners from local schools in the celebration who will present wonderful performances. The Consulate-General is willing to strengthen communication with all sectors to build stronger bridges for sub-national and people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between China and South Africa, and strive for more fruitful outcomes.
The local Chinese community and Chinese‑funded institutions, part of the South African rainbow society, have actively integrated into and contributed to local communities. I hope that my fellow countrymen will continue to make joint efforts in composing a new chapter for both China miracle and China-South Africa relationship, making fresh contributions to the growth of motherland, to the friendship between the two countries. The Consulate‑General will continue to faithfully implement the mission of diplomacy for the people and deliver to you quality services.
In conclusion, I would like to propose a toast,
--to the prosperity of China and South Africa and the well-being of our peoples,
--to the ever-growing China-South Africa friendship and our sub-national cooperation，
--to the good health and happiness of everyone present,
Cheers!
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