South Africa's economic diplomacy relations with China in the post-apartheid era

Abstract

This research study examines the relations between South Africa and China in the context of economic diplomacy being used to advance national interest. As such the bilateral relations of the two countries located in different continents which have both struggled with development within the global sphere has been explored. This study demonstrates how South Africa has become a convenient and strategically viable country to befriend in Africa, for China to gain entry to the rest of the continent. South Africa's involvement with China served as a validation for the rest of Africa to feel comfortable with China's infiltration in the continent. South Africa had been leading the African Agenda and appears to have lost momentum since its strengthened relations with China. China's involvement with South Africa has de-focused the country and the continent as a whole. As such South Africa appears too submissive towards China which remains focused on its core interest, that is global dominance. Meanwhile, South Africa has suffered incidents where its sovereignty and credibility have been questioned as a country and a nation. Inferences of incidents of the Dalai Lama visa saga have been quoted, including, the negative bearing brought by the Yuan devaluations in 2015. The research method used in this study is qualitative. The benefits to this bilateral relation have been assessed citing the advantages and disadvantages. The study further examines the viability of the relations going forward. Furthermore, recommendations have been made with the aim to assist the governmental policy positions regarding China. The study further seeks to add and improve on the existing material on China and South Africa as a contemporary topic of interest widely explored in the field of International Relations.