Chinese Delegation Visit: Developments in China & South Africa & African Diaspora presentation by Ambassador to Latin America &

FOREIGN AFFAIRS PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
6 September 2006
CHINESE DELEGATION VISIT: DEVELOPMENTS IN CHINA AND SOUTH AFRICA AND AFRICAN DIASPORA PRESENTATION BY AMBASSADOR TO LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

Acting Chairperson: Dr A Luthuli (ANC)

Documents handed out:
Presentation on the African Diaspora: Part1 & Part2
Amendments to the document ‘Presentation on the African Diaspora’.

SUMMARY
A delegation from the National People’s Congress of China attended the meeting and spoke of the importance of maintaining and improving relations in Africa, particularly South Africa and China. Reference was made to a series of agreements and a recent Memorandum of Understanding, which was the focus of the delegation’s South African visit. The delegation spoke on the history of China’s support to the South African struggle and China’s change in economic policy. The delegation stressed the need for cooperation between South Africa and China highlighting the benefits that would accrue to South Africa as a result. They noted that the Chinese government had published a Chinese policy for Africa this year, and now China hoped to establish a relationship with South Africa which would create mutual trust. Members raised questions on China’s nuclear and economic policies, its response to the Iran situation, and the reform of the United Nations Security Council. Clarity was sought on the main reasons for China’s economic growth, the policy for Africa and the fear that China would take over African economies. Its suggested solution to the Darfur crisis was examined. The delegation then asked for and received an indication of South Africa’s attitude towards China

The Ambassador to Latin America and the Caribbean then outlined the important role of the African Diaspora, particularly in relation to the achievement of African goals such as equality and improved communication, cooperation and trade. He reaffirmed the importance of the African Diaspora in respect of the African Renaissance. The assistance of external societies was essential to the accomplishment of these goals. The advantages and benefits of linking with the Diaspora were numerous and were not restricted to the African Continent, but worked towards anti globalization ideals and universal equality. The Ambassador discussed the aims of the conferences on this issue and noted that they should be supported. He reaffirmed the importance of the Diaspora towards building a better world. Owing to time constraints, Members’ questions would stand over to a later date when a discussion forum would be set up

MINUTES
Visit by representatives of the National People’s Congress of China to discuss Development and Growth in South Africa and China
The Head of the delegation of representatives of the National Peoples Congress of China noted that this was the first time a delegation from China had visited South Africa. The purpose of the visit was to exchange agreements and establish a mutual understanding between the two countries. He noted that in the past two days the delegation from China and South Africa had already come to an agreement on a Memorandum of Understanding, which was regarded as of great importance, and a historic issue for both countries.

The Chinese delegation noted a deep friendship and mutual support between the governments of China and South Africa. It mentioned China’s appreciation of South Africa’s friendship, and furthermore appreciated the support given to Taiwan. It further highlighted the support that South Africa received from China throughout the liberation struggle for justice and equality. There was mention of the 1980’s agreements between the two countries resulting in the establishment of a strategic partnership, mutual benefits and development. These agreements had not only been maintained but enhanced, with further visits in June of this year to deepen this strategic partnership. Bilateral trade forums had developed fast between the two countries, resulting in South Africa now being China’s biggest trade partner in Africa. The mutual benefits of this could not be under exaggerated.

The Chinese delegation expressed a hope that any further agreements would be successful and stressed the importance of cooperation between the countries. However in future there must be a focus on the establishment of methods to benefit the community, deepen dialogue and expand influence between the parliament of South Africa and the parliament of China.

The delegation noted that South Africa played an important role within African domestic and regional affairs, and hoped that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding would serve to strengthen the relationship between South Africa, Africa as a whole and China.

The Chinese delegation went on to outline the basic economic structure in China and noted the changes that had occurred in the last 28 years during their adoption of a different economic policy. China was now focusing on a more liberal economy and striving to achieve improvement in people’s standards of living. The delegation stated that within China there was an internal pursuit of peace and development, and in the international arena China was advocating cooperation and exchange of development.

The delegation ventured to highlight the importance of the Chinese government to South Africa, and noted that further depth to the friendship would be beneficial. The Delegation noted that the Chinese government had published a Chinese policy for Africa this year, and now China hoped to establish a relationship with South Africa which would create mutual trust.

To conclude, the delegation, on behalf of the National People’s Congress of China, invited the South African Foreign Affairs Portfolio Committee to visit China the following year.

The Chairperson thanked the delegation and stated that the Committee would consider the invitation seriously.

Discussion
Mr M Ramgobin (ANC) asked China’s opinion of the reform of the Security Council.

The Chinese delegation noted the importance of the United Nations Security Council but stressed that any intended reform must be an endeavour of all the member countries. China as a nation was willing to ‘join hands’ with the member states of the United Nations Security Council in the negotiation for the reform of the Security Council.

Mr Ramgobin asked for an indication of China’s response to the nuclear issue in Iran.

The Chinese delegation responded that although they were not fully aware of the situation they would submit their opinion. China did not support and would not support the proliferation of nuclear weapons. The delegation believed that the only way to resolve the Iran situation was by negotiation, and hoped that these negotiations would begin soon. Finally they called on South Africa to address this issue and assist in its resolution.

Mr Ramgobin queried China’s stance on terrorism with particular reference to its relationship with Pakistan.

The Chinese delegation advocated for the united ‘joining of hands’ in order to fight terrorism. They believed that no one should stand by terrorists in other countries. No mention was made of their relationship with Pakistan.

Dr S Pheko (PAC) asked to submit two questions, but due to time restraints he was permitted to put only one. He had asked for clarity on China’s stance on the technological development of nuclear weapons for peaceful purposes. This question was not put in translation to the delegation. He then asked what China submitted was the main factor in its economic development. He added that South Africa would like to be represented on the Security Council at some time, and hoped for the support of China in such an event.

The Chinese delegation attributed China’s successful economic growth to the application of a correct policy, good exchanges and cooperation internationally, and the unity of the people in China to jointly focus on economic development.

Advocate Z Madasa (ANC) asked whether the Foreign Affairs Committee of South Africa could obtain a copy of China’s policy for Africa. He submitted that there was a fear in the African continent that China would ‘eat up’ the African economy, and asked for comment.

The Chinese delegation referred to an earlier statement that Africa/China cooperation would serve to benefit Africa, not harm it. The Chinese operations in Africa were fundamentally based in equality and the delegation submitted that one simply needed to look at the economic increase to see the benefits. The delegation then highlighted some of the assistance and programmes that China had provided to Africa, reaffirming the benefits for the African Continent in cooperation with China. They stressed that the policy of China for South Africa was to increase development, but that this required economic cooperation.

The Chairperson referred to the United States’ expressed intention to enter into legal talks related to the issue in Iran. He asked what China’s approach would be towards such talks and the question of a nuclear development programme.

The delegation again reaffirmed their desire for negotiations and diplomatic resolution of issues. In relation to the question on nuclear technology, the delegation submitted that China believed in creation of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, and they stood strongly by the non-proliferation treaty.

Mr S Siboza (ANC) related to the situation in Darfur and asked for China’s stance on this crisis.

The Chinese delegation stated that the issue of Darfur was one of great importance to the Chinese government. China would like to work with the United Nations Security Council and the African Union to find a solution to this crisis. However they stressed the importance of full consultation with the Sudanese government and negotiations to ensure full functioning of troops. The delegation submitted that China would like to see United Nations troops deployed in Sudan, but relied on the expertise of the African Union in this African situation. The delegation stated that China would take a cooperative, responsive and flexible approach to this crisis and hope to achieve a long term solution to the problem.

The Chairperson thanked the delegation from China for their enriching contribution..

The Chinese Delegation questioned what South Africa’s attitude was toward China?

Mr Ramgobin responded on behalf of the South African Committee. He stated that to his knowledge there was a good relationship between the two countries and that China should expect increased cooperation from Africa. However South Africa would like China’s support with particular African issues such as the African Renaissance and NEPAD. With regard to peace and security Mr Ramgobin submitted that China had an important role to play and that South Africa relied upon it for the maintenance of this security. With regard to the India-Brazil-South Africa Dialogue Forum (IBSA), Mr Ramgobin felt that China’s expressed interest to be included clearly exemplified the interest of China in Africa, and China’s realization of the importance of the organization for trade and security. Mr Ramgobin finally submitted that the South African government would have an interest in people to people communication, since China had now moved away from their ideological standpoint and had become incorporated into the global market. However he concluded that the position taken must always be for the benefit of Africa.

The Chairperson thanked the Delegation from China and wished them well for the remainder of their stay.

Presentation by Ambassador Mbulelo Rakwena on the African Diaspora
Ambassador Mbulelo Rakwena (Ambassador to Latin America and the Caribbean) began his presentation on the African Diaspora with a definition of the phrase and a basic summation of the role of the African Diaspora in respect of the African Continent. He outlined the importance of the African Diaspora to the African Continent, and suggested measures that must be taken to ensure participation by this African Diaspora in the continent itself. However he also cautioned the Committee that large amounts of aid and shipments should not be expected from the African Diaspora, as comparatively it was in a weaker position than those Diaspora populations of India, China and Israel.

Ambassador Rakwena went on to describe South Africa’s policy towards the Diaspora, and the call made by President Mbeki in his 2003 address for the incorporation of the African Diaspora into the African Renaissance. Considering the goals of the African Renaissance, Ambassador Rakwena suggested that the assistance of external societies was essential to the accomplishment of these goals, and the African Diaspora had a critical role to play in the African transformation.

The engagement of the African Diaspora was focused around six priority area. These were the primary national interests of any state, such as the economy, tourism, resource distribution, communication, trade, and bilateral and multilateral cooperation. The proposed advantages and benefits for the linking with the Diaspora were numerous and were not restricted to the African Continent, but worked towards anti globalization ideals and universal equality.

The Ambassador then went on to discuss the aims of the conferences held on the issue, particularly the South African Union-Caribbean Diaspora Conference of 2005 and the proposed meeting in 2007 along the same lines. He discussed the goals, the achievements, the participants and the costs. Overall he felt that these conferences were of great importance and should be supported by all participants.

Ambassador Rakwena believed that the African Diaspora should become included in the awakening of the African Renaissance and realise its unity with all African peoples to support the “one people” principle. In conclusion, he reaffirmed the importance of the Diaspora towards building a better world.

The Chairperson thanked the Ambassador and stated that, owing to time constraints, questions from the Committee would be withheld until a later date, when a discussion forum would be set up.

The meeting was adjourned.