China–South Africa relations

The People's Republic of China (PRC) established diplomatic relations with Republic of South Africa (RSA) in January 1998. South Africa is one of the African countries that China most prioritizes within Chinese-African foreign relations. In 2010, China was South Africa's largest trading partner. Since 2007, China-South African relations have become increasingly close with increasing trade, policy and political ties. In the 2010 Beijing Declaration, South Africa was upgraded to the diplomatic status of Strategic Comprehensive Partner by the Chinese government. South Africa increasingly votes in alignment with China in the United Nations.