On July 18, 2022, Director-General of the Department of African Affairs of the Foreign Ministry Wu Peng, upon invitation, attended the "Nelson Mandela International Day" commemorative activity held by the South African Embassy in China.

Wu Peng said in his speech that Mr. Mandela made important contributions to the peace and reconciliation of mankind, the emancipation of Africa and the development of China-South Africa and China-Africa relations. China has always held high the banner of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit, and actively implemented the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, and will continue to support the cause of peace and development in Africa, further strengthen solidarity and coordination with Africa, achieve win-win cooperation and bring more benefits to the Chinese and African peoples.

South African Ambassador to China Siyabonga Cyprian Cwele said in his speech that Mandela devoted his life to fighting for national liberation and social justice. He was inspired by China's "Spirit of the Long March" in prison and always expressed deep gratitude to the Chinese people for supporting South Africa's struggle against apartheid. Inspired by Nelson Mandela's pursuit of peace and freedom, we need to step up input in poverty reduction, take the initiative in tackling climate change and accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Mandela was South Africa's pre-eminent leader against apartheid and the first president of new South Africa. In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly declared July 18, Mandela's birthday, as the annual "Nelson Mandela International Day" from 2010 in recognition of Nelson Mandela's contribution to the culture of peace and freedom.