On January 10, 2026 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola at the latter's request in Maseru.

Wang Yi congratulated the African National Congress (ANC), South Africa's ruling party, on the 114th anniversary of its founding, saying that the ANC is a major party with a glorious tradition that has weathered various severe challenges and accumulated rich political wisdom. He expressed confidence that through the concerted efforts of the entire ANC, South Africa will unite to address external disruptions and achieve national development and revitalization. China is ready to maintain high-level exchanges with South Africa, expand inter-party exchanges, strengthen strategic mutual trust and deepen practical cooperation. China will facilitate the implementation in South Africa of its zero-tariff measures for Africa and support South Africa's economic development, so as to deliver benefits to the South African people. Both sides should ensure the success of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and consolidate the public support underpinning China-South Africa and China-Africa friendship.

Wang Yi said that South Africa successfully hosted the G20 Summit last year despite external pressure, and the Chinese side congratulates South Africa on this achievement. In a world marked by turbulence and uncertainty, China firmly supports South Africa in playing a more important role in international affairs, and stands ready to work with South Africa and other Global South countries to uphold the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, oppose the law of the jungle and hegemonism, and jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

Ronald Lamola welcomed Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Africa in the New Year and thanked China for its support for South Africa's hosting of the G20 Summit and for its assistance in promoting the economic and social development of African countries, including South Africa. South Africa adheres to the one-China principle and is willing to further strengthen political mutual trust with China, deepen practical cooperation, expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges, enhance multilateral coordination, and continue advancing the South Africa-China all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era. South Africa is ready to work with China to jointly uphold multilateralism, safeguard the central role of the United Nations, and defend international fairness and justice.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern.