On April 15, Mr. Pan Qingjiang, Consul General of China in Johannesburg attended the seminar themed with“The Journey of Discovery in China”at the University of the Witwatersrand. About 200 people, including Prof. Garth Stevens, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Tshegofatso Mogaladi, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, delegation members, teachers and students, were present at the event.

During his speech, Mr. Pan congratulated the delegation on their fruitful outcomes during study tour in China. He introduced China’s visions, actions and accomplishments in advancing its people-centered, high-quality, green and innovative development. He expressed China’s willingness to strengthen cooperation with South Africa in various fields, including people-to-people and youth exchanges, to build a high-quality China-South Africa community with a shared future and to translate the China-South Africa all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era into more benefits to the people. He encouraged more students to visit and study in China and enhance mutual understanding. Mr. Pan elaborated on China’s firm opposition to the U.S. abuse of tariffs, emphasizing that the international community should work together to safeguard the multilateral trading system and maintain an open and cooperative international environment.

Student representatives shared their insights and experiences gained from their visit to China from various perspectives. Prof. Garth and Mr. Tshegofatso expressed gratitude for the support from the Chinese Consulate General and willingness to further strengthen communication and learn more from China’s experience in governance and development.