An assessment of China-South Africa relations: Insights from Zuma's Administration

Abstract

This study examined China-South Africa relations with insights from Zuma administration. The study looked at the factors that contributed to the shift from a Western-oriented foreign policy to the Look East national policy objective, which facilitated the development of the Beijing-Pretoria partnership. Using desktop research, the study used secondary data from scholarly articles, policy documents, government reports, and media publications related to China-South Africa relations during Zuma tenure. Further, Social constructivism theory utilised to explain how social interaction between the two countries gave significance to their alliance and reshaped South Africa's domestic and foreign policy. Under Zuma's leadership, Pretoria's relations with Beijing shifted, resulting in a significant decline in diplomatic and commercial relations with Western countries. The enhanced diplomatic engagement between Beijing and Pretoria significantly influenced political dynamics, particularly through interaction between the African National Congress (ANC) and Communist Party of China (CPC), which deepened ideological ties. Economic challenges in South Africa and shared ideological outlook with China further shaped political interactions, particularly concerning the Dalai Lama and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The study revealed that the Pretoria-Beijing relations was reinforced by China's development model, which South Africa, under Zuma, sought to emulate in addressing its socio-economic issues. The adoption of China's development model significantly enhanced China-South Africa relations, leading to increased political, and economic exchanges. The Look East strategy of the Zuma administration was driven by significant economic development in China, as Beijing promoted a development model encouraging Pretoria to embrace a comprehensive model accessible to the Global South. The partnership between Beijing and South Africa is strengthened by shared ideological foundations and close political alignment.