China hopes to upgrade ties with South Africa

China hopes to upgrade ties with South Africa during the coming visit by its Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said on Monday.

Spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a daily news briefing that Motlanthe will visit China from Oct. 27-30 at the invitation of Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao and will co-chair the fifth plenary session of the China-South Africa Bi-National Commission with Li.

She said China attaches great importance to Motlanthe's visit and hopes to upgrade the comprehensive strategic partnership with South Africa through his visit.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and South Africa, she said, adding that the two countries have made great progress in developing their partnership over the years.

The two sides have enjoyed increasing political trust, achieved fruitful cooperation results in various sectors and maintained close communication and coordination in major international and regional affairs, Hua said.

She said Chinese President Xi Jinpingvisited South Africa in March on his first overseas trip, during which the leaders of the countries agreed to regard bilateral relations as the pivot of their foreign policy.

The two countries are both major developing countries and important emerging markets. Hua said China is ready to work with South Africa to advance bilateral relations to a higher level.