Deputy President Mashatile Hosts China’s Vice President Han Zheng for 9th BNC in Cape Town

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will host China’s Vice President Han Zheng at Tuynhuys in Cape Town. The meeting takes place in the Western Cape Province. The two leaders will co-chair the 9th South Africa-China Bi-National Commission, or BNC, on Thursday, March 26, 2026. This event affects leaders from South Africa and China. It strengthens their bilateral relations amid global changes, as the theme states: “South Africa-China Relations in an Era of Global Transformation: Advancing Shared Modernisation.” The Presidency and SAnews.gov.za confirmed these details.

The hosting occurs at Tuynhuys in Cape Town. This is the site for the key bilateral talks.

The BNC falls under the stated theme. It focuses on shared progress in a changing world. SAnews.gov.za reported the announcement on March 25, 2026. The Presidency provided the details.

South Africa and China share strong diplomatic ties. These rest on the All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era.

The BNC started in 2000. It serves as the top mechanism for diplomatic, economic, and sectoral work between the nations.

Other tools support this cooperation. They include:

• Strategic Dialogue at the DIRCO Ministerial level
• Joint Economic and Trade Commission at Minister of Trade level
• People-to-People Exchange Mechanism at Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture level
• Joint Working Group at DIRCO Deputy Ministerial level

These help carry out the 10-Year Strategic Programme on Cooperation from 2020 to 2029. Reciprocal state visits occur too. They span government ministries, Parliament, and provinces. The Presidency noted this depth in relations.

South Africa and China enjoy strong diplomatic relations, anchored in the All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era.

The BNC helps push South Africa’s foreign policy and development goals. It builds on consolidated cooperation in key areas.

Structured mechanisms and exchanges show the partnership’s strength. This setup aids ongoing work without gaps.

The BNC meeting comes on Thursday. It plays a key role in the 10-Year Strategic Programme.

Reciprocal visits and exchanges continue. They reflect growing ties between the nations. The Presidency and SAnews.gov.za base these points on verified facts.