China and S Africa vow to deepen relations

South Africa's Parliament and China's National People's Congress Standing Committee pledge to strengthen and broaden bilateral strategic partnership and oversight role to improve the people's lives in both countries.? ??

South African speaker of the National Assembly Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula held talks with Li Zhanshu, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, virtually on Friday.?

The two welcomed growing collaboration and partnerships. Mapisa-Nqakula expressed appreciation in the manner the two countries worked together to fight COVID-19.?

Mapisa-Nqakula pointed out that trade between the two countries has improved significantly, but more needs to be done to improve the balance of trade through heightening South Africa's capacity for value addition and manufacturing.

Mapisa-Nqakula called for more joint research and development, utilise the opportunities provided by the fourth industrial revolution and collaboration to address COVID-19 and future pandemics.?

She said South Africa could learn from China the readiness to handle pandemics like COVID-19. Mapisa-Nqakula said they could learn strengthening of public awareness, participation and outreach including lessons in parliamentary broadcasting as part of the broader communication strategy.?

Cobus van Staden, a senior researcher in China Africa at South African think-tank South African Institute of International Affairs, said the engagement at the level of policymakers is welcomed as it would strengthen oversight and entrench accountability in both countries. Van Staden said the two countries should consider collaboration in renewable energy in which China is the global leader.