South African Relations with China since 1994

SOUTH AFRICAN RELATIONS WITH CHINA SINCE 1994
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Introduction
Overview of South Africa-China relations
The transformation of South Africa's foreign dealings following the end of apartheid has been profound. Particularly noteworthy is the burgeoning relationship shared by South Africa and China. Although the two countries had some interactions before 1994, it is only in the past 25 years that their ties have grown markedly stronger (The SCIOPRC, 2021). China now stands as one of South Africa's most crucial trading partners, with increasing influence across the African continent. This paper will examine the multifaceted evolution of South Africa-China cooperation, encompassing economic, political, and social dimensions.
Key areas of cooperation and tension
Over the past twenty-six years, since the end of apartheid, South Africa and China have seen considerable progress in their bilateral relations. Commencing official diplomatic ties in 1998 marked the beginning of a rapidly evolving relationship (Alden & Wu, 2014). Today, the two countries enjoy a wide range of interactions, including trade, investment, and political cooperation. Trade is one of the most significant areas of collaboration, with China surpassing all other countries to become South Africa's prime trading partner. China’s investment in South Africa is also prominent, particularly in the mining, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors (Alden & Wu, 2014; Hanauer & Morris, 2014). Politically, the two countries work together on global issues such as climate change, the international financial system, and peacekeeping efforts in Africa. Despite these areas of cooperation, the relationship has a few challenges. Some South Africans worry about the implications of China's mounting economic impact, fearing it could undermine local industries (Hanauer & Morris, 2014). As well, critics in South Africa have questioned the country's apparent reluctance to speak out against human rights concerns in China, arguing that economic interests are taking precedence over democratic values. Overall, the bond between South Africa and China has been more potent and more multifaceted over the past twenty years. As it continues to evolve, addressing areas of tension will be essential for maintaining a mutually beneficial partnership.
This essay will provide an overview of South Africa's relations with China since 1994, highlighting the critical areas of cooperation and tension. It will examine the relationship's economic, political, and cultural aspects and analyze how these ties have evolved.
Early years of the relationship (1994-1999)
Establishment of formal diplomatic ties
After the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa began to reestablish relations with countries worldwide. China was one of the nations that South Africa engaged with early on. In January 1998, the two countries established formal diplomatic ties (Alden & Wu, 2014). High-level exchanges characterized the relationship's early years. Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki visited China, and Chinese President Jiang Zemin visited South Africa (Williams, 2021). The two countries emphasized the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation, with China looking to South Africa as a critical partner in Africa and South Africa seeking to tap into China's growing economy (Hanauer & Morris, 2014). The trade volume between the two countries escalated swiftly, with bilateral trade reaching $1.8 billion by 1999 (Mathai et al., 2016). Areas of cooperation included trade, investment, tourism, agriculture, and science and technology (Jansen et al., 2011). At the same time, the early years of the relationship were not without challenges. Tensions emerged over issues such as South Africa's continued recognition of Taiwan (which China views as a renegade province) and concerns in South Africa about the potential negative impact of Chinese imports on the local economy (Anthony et al., 2013). Nevertheless, the two countries continued to build a foundation for a long-term relationship, emphasizing shared interests and mutual benefits.
Initial areas of cooperation
Following the dismantling of the apartheid regime in South Africa in 1994, China quickly moved to establish diplomatic relations with the new democratic government. There were several reasons behind Beijing's desire to forge closer ties with South Africa. For one, the culmination of the Cold War left China in a unique position to expand its political and economic influence in Africa (Alden & Alves, 2008). Building relations with South Africa, one of the continent's leading economic powers, was a strategic move. Additionally, South Africa's vast mineral resources were an attractive prospect for Chinese investment. In particular, China's growing demand for iron ore, copper, and other metals made South Africa a vital partner for Beijing (Ericsson et al., 2020). As China continued to industrialize and modernize, its need for raw materials increased, making South Africa an even more valuable partner. Finally, Beijing was interested in strengthening ties with South Africa to counterbalance the influence of the United States in the region. Following the USSR’s collapse, the U.S. was the only global superpower. Eager to offset this hegemony, Beijing sought strategic partnerships with essential nations across various regions. (Doshi, 2021). South Africa, with its regional importance and international standing, was a vital part of this strategy.
Early challenges
South Africa and China have enjoyed strong ties since they formalized diplomatic relations in 1994. Early on, the two countries established agreements to promote trade, investment, and tourism. For example, in 1996, they signed a deal on trade and economic cooperation (Alden & Wu, 2014). They expanded the following year by establishing a joint trade committee (Alden & Wu, 2014; Hanauer & Morris, 2014). Additionally, in 1998 they agreed to cooperate on tourism, creating a joint working group to explore further ways to strengthen this sector (The SCIOPRC, 2021). The early stages of the relationship between the two countries were marked by a continued exploration of potential areas for cooperation. One key agreement reached in 1999 sought to avoid double taxation to make trade and investment easier (Income Tax Act: South African Government, n.d.). Such contracts were fundamental in setting the stage for the growth of bilateral relations that followed.
Strengthening ties in the early 21st century (2000-2009)
Growth of trade and investment
In the early 21st century, South Africa and China shared a pointedly deepened bond. The two countries increasingly turned to each other as trade partners, with bilateral trade between the two nations surpassing $1 billion by 2001 (Regissahui, 2019). In 2004, the two countries strengthened their economic ties by signing a Strategic Partnership Agreement. During this period, China's economy was proliferating, and the country was expanding its global influence. South Africa, Africa's most developed economy, was an attractive partner for China. South Africa was eager to engage with the world's most populous nation and its fast-growing economy. Throughout the 2000s, trade between China and South Africa grew significantly. China emerged as South Africa's salient trading partner, with bilateral trade increasing from $3.8 billion in 2005 to $9.8 billion in 2008 (Regissahui, 2019). In 2007, as South Africa's trade patterns shifted, China topped the United States as the country's primary import source. Beyond trade, the two countries also engaged in numerous joint projects, including constructing the Medupi power station in South Africa's Limpopo province (Medupi Power Plant, Lephalale, Limpopo Province, South Africa, n.d.). Chinese companies also invested in South Africa's mining and manufacturing sectors.
Strategic partnership agreement
Although the South Africa and China interaction only commenced in 1998, the two countries strengthened their ties throughout the early 21st century. The formation of the China-South Africa Binational Commission in the new Millenium was a significant step, as it allowed for continuous conversation and collaboration between the two nations (Alden & Wu, 2014). Additionally, the two nations began deepening economic ties, with China becoming South Africa's largest trading partner by 2009 (Doshi, 2021). Another key milestone in the relationship came in 2006 when the two countries signed a strategic partnership agreement (Alden & Wu, 2014). This agreement set a roadmap for long-term collaboration, focusing on economic development, cultural exchange, and regional security. The agreement further elevated the status of the bilateral relationship, signifying the importance both countries placed on their mutual ties. The trade between the two countries continued to snowball throughout this period. By the end of the 21st century’s first decade, China had surpassed the US as South Africa's chief trading partner (Doshi, 2021). This trade growth was partly fueled by China's demand for South Africa's mineral resources, while South Africa also imported a wide range of manufactured goods from China. The increasing economic ties between the two countries were another critical element in strengthening the overall relationship during this period.
Increased cooperation in energy and infrastructure
South Africa and China strengthened their bilateral relations in the early 21st century, making trade between the two countries grow exponentially by 2007. In turn, China established itself as South Africa's leading trade partner by 2009, eclipsing all other countries. China's rapidly growing economy offered new opportunities for South African exports, particularly in minerals and raw materials, which were in high demand for Chinese industrial production. Investment ties also grew stronger during this period—Chinese corporations invested in South Africa's mining, energy, and manufacturing divisions, among others. Energy and infrastructure became critical areas of cooperation as well. In 2006, South Africa and China signed several agreements in these sectors, including a memorandum of understanding on energy coopera...