S. Africa's governing party commends China for its non-interference

South Africa's governing party, African National Congress (ANC), supports China's position of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, said the party's president Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday.

Ramaphosa made the remarks while speaking at the Communist Party of China (CPC) dialogue with world political parties' high-level meeting which was held virtually on Wednesday. The dialogue was held under the theme of "The path towards modernization: the responsibility of political parties". Ramaphosa said they are keen to build alliances and solidarity with like-minded parties in the South and North, to transform global balance of forces.

"South Africa applauds China's principled foreign policy posture as it is based on the principles of non-interference and mutual benefit. We are keen that these principles are strengthened and directed at developmental initiatives that are critical for our collective success as nations of the South," said Ramaphosa.

He explained that the world faces challenges like climate change, global pandemics, terrorism, conflict and rising geopolitical tension which calls for countries to unite. Ramaphosa said the countries should work together to end poverty, hunger, unemployment, illiteracy and the inequality that exists in some nations. He said there are some threats to the multilateralism and peaceful world order. Ramaphosa said ANC supports multilateralism and opposes unipolar. He said they support the CPC's call for dialogue to address misunderstandings and advancing common values for humanity.

Ramaphosa said: "We therefore readily align ourselves with the four calling-ons articulated by President Xi, which call on all countries to respect the diversity of human civilizations and perspectives while advancing the common values of humanity. We support the call by President Xi for dialogue and cooperation; that all peoples should join hands in advancing the development and progress of human civilization. This approach is becoming ever more important as the world confronts challenges that have the potential for great devastation."

He said the ANC would like to deepen "the bonds of cooperation" with CPC. Ramaphosa said his party is calling for the reform of international institutions, including the UN Security Council and global financial institutions, to foster peace and stability, and inclusive economic growth. He said countries in the African continent are grateful for the assistance they received from China to tackle COVID-19 and all those who helped the Global South to manage the pandemic.

Aleksandar Vučić, president of the Serbian Progressive Party, praised China for advocating for dialogue and peace. Vučić commended China for its dedication to the advancement and prosperity of all nations. He thanked China for building infrastructure in Serbia which includes roads and rail as a well as offering scholarships to their students to study at the Chinese universities. Vučić said Serbia would like to work with China in technology and renewable energy in future. He said his party would like to see their cooperation with the CPC "flourish" and build a better world where everyone lives in peace.