On August 24, 2010, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met in Beijing with South African Minister of Home Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, who is accompanying President Jacob Zuma on a visit to China.

Yang said China attaches great importance to President Zuma's state visit to China, expressing belief that the visit will be a great success and achieve positive outcome. Yang said since the establishment of diplomatic ties 12 years ago, bilateral ties have witnessed comprehensive and rapid development with close high-level exchanges, enhanced cooperation in politics, economy, trade and culture and increasing personnel contacts. The agreement on the mutual exemption of visas to holders of diplomatic passports to be signed by both sides during President Zuma's visit will further facilitate and deepen personnel exchanges and enhance understanding, friendship and cooperation between both sides. Yang hoped the South African government would continue to take effective measures to safeguard the security, property and lawful rights of the Chinese nationals in South Africa. China is committed to enhancing pragmatic cooperation with South Africa in all areas to push bilateral ties to a higher level.

Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma voiced appreciation for China's long-term support for African countries including South Africa, saying China's assistance had enhanced their self-development abilities. She said the visa exemption agreement marked the development of bilateral relations had reached a higher level. She said the South African government would make every effort to protect the lawful rights of the Chinese nationals in South Africa. South Africa is ready to work with China to enhance bilateral cooperation, upgrade strategic partnership in a comprehensive manner and make greater contributions to China-South Africa relations.