In a significant diplomatic move, President Xi Jinping has appointed Wu Peng, a seasoned diplomat and former Director-General of China’s Department of African Affairs, as the new Chinese Ambassador to South Africa. Ambassador Wu Peng arrives with a mission to enhance the robust trade, economic, and political ties between China and South Africa, while also focusing on improving people-to-people relations and contributing to South Africa’s extensive job creation efforts.

In an exclusive interview with IOL, Ambassador Wu Peng shared his enthusiasm for his new role, beginning with a warm appreciation of South Africa’s winter. “I arrived here in the middle of South Africa’s beautiful winter. I have to say, winter in South Africa is much warmer and more pleasant than in Beijing. More importantly, the people here are so kind and hospitable. I feel even warmer because of their friendship,” he remarked.

Ambassador Wu Peng commended South Africa’s socio-economic progress under the African National Congress (ANC) governments over the past three decades. “To me, South Africa has amazing weather, massive resources, and just everything it takes to achieve sound development. South Africa’s strong development is a perfect example of the rise of the Global South,” he said.

Detailing his mission, Ambassador Wu emphasized his duty to foster friendship, exchanges, and practical cooperation between China and South Africa. “As the new Chinese Ambassador, it is my duty to promote friendship, exchanges, and practical cooperation between our two countries, so that our relations continue to move forward. China has always been South Africa’s brother, sister, and friend. We are ready to further contribute to South Africa’s modernisation drive as your sound partner,” he stated.

The Ambassador highlighted the focus areas of his mission, particularly cooperation in renewable energy and job creation for South Africa’s youth. “China is quite strong in electric vehicles and solar energy. We are well-positioned to cooperate with South Africa in these fields. Chinese EV brands such as BYD and King Long are already working with African businesses in countries like Ethiopia and Kenya to assemble electric buses locally,” he explained. This collaboration is not only making travel more carbon-friendly but also creating numerous local jobs for young people.

Ambassador Wu also shared impressive statistics on bilateral trade, noting that for the past 15 years, China has been the largest trading partner for South Africa and the African continent. “From January to May this year, our bilateral trade reached US$23.5 billion. South African exports to China were US$15.3 billion, up 14 percent year-on-year,” he revealed. He pointed out the popularity of South African products like wine, rooibos tea, and aloe gel in China, expressing hope that increasing imports would make these goods more affordable for Chinese consumers.

The Chinese government is committed to advancing high-level opening-up, with Ambassador Wu highlighting China’s readiness to share its mega-sized market with South Africa. “In recent years, China actively opened up its vast market of more than one billion people to South African agricultural products. Agri-exports to China bring benefits to South African farmers and help create local jobs,” he said.

Ambassador Wu Peng looks forward to President Ramaphosa’s attendance at an upcoming summit with President Xi Jinping, where they will further strengthen the China-South Africa and China-Africa relations.

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