South Africa is the first developing country to which China has proposed establishing a ‘comprehensive strategic partnership’. Chinese analysts acknowledge the great achievements the new South Africa has made within the country as well as regionally and internationally. They believe that South Africa holds a uniquely advantageous position among the BRICS countries, which would help African countries as a whole to play a greater role in international affairs. China and South Africa share the same or similar views on international affairs, and both are committed to seeking a fair and reasonable new global economic and political order, despite the differences in their domestic political systems.
Chinese analysts believe that South Africa’s domestic achievements, international reputation and position in Africa afford South Africa as a BRICS member ‘irreplaceable unique advantages’. They argue that South Africa seems to have maintained good relations with other BRICS members and can play a ‘bridge’ role among them. South Africa is expected to make a special contribution to the growth of the BRICS mechanism and agenda on issues such as the African agenda, BRICS economic co-operation, reforming global economic governance, and promoting the institution building of BRICS co-operation.
