Remarks by Ambassador Wu Peng at the “China-South Africa Youth Exchange Night”

Madam Mashatile,

Dear young friends,

Ladies and gentlemen,

   Good evening!

It’s a pleasure to join you for this special event—the “China-South Africa Youth Exchange Night”, which coincides with South Africa’s Youth Month.

I may no longer be a young man myself, but standing here with so many bright and passionate young faces brings back the energy and hope of youth. I feel inspired.

   Tonight’s event brings together many young leaders from DIRCO, the ANC Youth League, the South African Students Congress, and other groups as well as young diplomats from the Chinese Embassy.

   We’ll launch a new book, watch a film, and do some networking. The goal is simple: to bring Chinese and South African youth closer. To help more young South Africans see China, know China, and connect with China—with open minds and open hearts.

   Let me share four simple words with you—all starting with the letter “C.”

   The first C is Connection. Young people are the future and hope of a nation. China has always believed in the power of youth, and we support exchange and learning between young people from China and the Global South—including right here in South Africa.

   Over the years, many South African students have traveled to China for study and training with the help of our governmental scholarship. One of them is Mr. Mayalo. He studied at Peking University with the support of “ Dongfang Scholarship”in 2022. He wrote a book called China Through My Eyes: A Journey of a Young South African to China. It tells the story of what he saw and experienced in China.

   This book is a beautiful example of connection—of understanding each other between our two countries. I hope it will inspire more young South Africans to go to China to study, travel, or work. Go and see the real China for yourself. Make friends. Build ties.

   The second C is Capacity. Young people from all countries care deeply about learning and jobs. In China, education is a fundamental sector that we give top priority. Through initiatives in digital development, green transformation, and vocational training, we continue to empower young people with new skills and tools for innovation.

Last year at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit in Beijing, China announced new plans for African youth. These include promoting the “Future Africa Vocational Education” initiative, co-building engineering and technical colleges, and setting up 10 more Luban Workshops. We will also provide 60,000 training opportunities in the next three years—mainly for youth and women.

We hope young South Africans can take full advantage of these opportunities, to build up both “soft” and “hard” skills and to achieve personal and professional growth.

   The third C is Culture. South Africa’s philosophy of Ubuntu emphasizes compassion and shared humanity. In China, we believe in harmony, community, and helping one another. These values bring our two countries close.

South Africa is home to the largest number of Confucius Institutes and Classrooms on the African continent.. Many young South Africans have come to know and love China through learning Mandarin and exploring Chinese culture.

   Later this evening, we’ll watch the Chinese film Ordinary Hero. It’s based on a true story. A group of young people come together to save a child’s life. Through this film, I hope you’ll see what matters to young people in China—teamwork, care, kindness. I hope you’ll also feel the warmth of Chinese society and the heart of our culture.

The last C is Cooperation. China and South Africa have now established a comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era. China has been South Africa’s biggest trading partner for 16 years. South Africa is also China’s largest partner in Africa. Over 200 Chinese companies are active here—investing, hiring, building.

On June 11, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the Coordinator’s Meeting on FOCAC Implementation. In his message, he announced that China is ready to negotiate and sign agreements on economic partnership for shared development with African countries, and to implement zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent of tariff lines on goods from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to China.

    These measures will create new and important opportunities for China-South Africa and broader China-Africa economic and trade cooperation. And it means more chances for young people—like you—to take part, to lead, to make changes.

   Dear friends,

There’s an old Chinese saying: “A bosom friend afar brings a distant land near.” May tonight’s event be more than just a gathering. May it become a bridge—of ideas, of cultures, of friendships.

I wish you all an evening of meaningful conversations, mutual inspiration, and lasting connections.

Thank you!

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