President Ramaphosa Applauds China's Position on Russia-Ukraine War

President Cyril Ramaphosa praised the position taken by China on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

"South Africa applauds China's principled foreign policy posture based on the principles of non-interference and mutual benefit," Ramaphosa said on Wednesday, News24 reported. "We are keen that these principles are strengthened and directed at developmental initiatives that are critical for our collective success as nations of the south."

Ramaphosa also mentioned that South Africa negotiated through dialogue with enemies, adding that the country has learned that the "profound lesson that continues to inform our principled position on many global issues, that of dialogue, is always to be preferred to violence."

He continued, "Our history of conflict has instilled in our people a great appreciation of the value of social cohesion, of unity in diversity, and of tolerance and respect."

The president went on to share that ANC (African National Congress) is aligned with the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping's call that urges "all countries to respect the diversity of human civilizations and perspectives while advancing the common values of humanity."

China refused to take any position in the Russian-Ukraine war but noted that the territorial integrity of all countries should be upheld.

Ramaphosa went on to share that his party ANC "respect the UN and its Charter as the basis for international law," adding that they want the "reform of the international institutions including the UN Security Council and the global financial institutions to foster peace, stability, inclusive growth and the developmental path that leaves no one behind."

He added, "We are opposed to a unipolar world order driven by unilateralism and continue to strive for a multipolar global order that is based on mutual respect and the creation of a win-win partnership."

Aside from confirming its similar take on the Russia-Ukraine war as China, the ANC president also congratulated Jinping's third term as president. "We look forward to deepening the bonds of cooperation that you have always championed," he said, Sowetan Live reported.

Xi Jinping was reappointed on March 10 for another five years as the president in a ceremonial vote held in Beijing's Great Hall of the People. The 69-year-old president received 2,952 votes.

Considering the friendship between two nations - China and South Africa - Ramaphosa met Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China, Sun Chunlan last month and thanked China for extending support to the country during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"China always views its relations with South Africa from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is ready to work with South Africa to follow the important guidance of consensus reached by the two heads of State, continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, and deepen experience-sharing on governance and development," Chunlan said, IOL reported on Feb. 17.

The Chinese Embassy in Pretoria disclosed last month that the trade between South Africa and China in the year 2022 has reached $56.7 billion.