China and European Union member countries have pledged their support for South Africa following the recent sanctions announced by the United States.
- China and E.U. express support for South Africa
- U.S. imposed sanctions due to disagreement over South Africa’s land reform policies
- European Union pledges readiness to strengthen ties and support South Africa’s leadership of the G20
The European Union member countries which includes France, Germany, Italy, expressed their shared commitment to multilateralism, the rule of law, non-racialism, and non-sexism in South Africa.
The US sanctions were imposed after a disagreement with South Africa’s land reform policies.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order cutting aid to the country, accusing South Africa of enabling ‘racist’ laws that forcefully took land from white owners.
However, South Africa denied these accusations, stating that it was acting within the laws of the land.
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E.U countries back South Africa
The European Union and other supporting countries have emphasized their commitment to South Africa’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as their support for the country’s efforts to promote social justice and equality
The countries, represented by their ambassadors, have expressed support for Southern African nations.
European Union President, António Costa took to social media to declare his backing for South Africa.
Costa stated via an X post, that he informed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa of the E.U’s readiness to strengthen ties with South Africa, recognizing the country as a reliable partner.
“I expressed the EU’s full support to South Africa’s leadership of the G20 and its ambition to strengthen multilateral cooperation and the Pact for the Future to address the most pressing global issues,” he said
In a video shared on X, the Ambassadors of Germany, Italy, and France expressed their unilateral support for South Africa.
Germany’s ambassador to South Africa, Andreas Peschke, stated that both countries shared many parallels and common values.
Alberto Vecchi, Italy’s ambassador to South Africa, highlighted the shared commitment both nations have to multilateralism, equity, and global justice.
France’s ambassador, David Martinon, also expressed support for South Africa, emphasizing that both countries cherish their constitutions and uphold the principles of a non-racist, non-sexist democracy.
Additionally, the EU delegate and deputy ambassador, Pecho Ruiz, reiterated the shared belief in solidarity, equality, and sustainability principles.
“As South Africa’s most important trading partner and investment partner, we partnered in values, so you can rely on the European Union and its member states.” Ruiz said.
Additionally, the Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with South Africa.
In a post on X, Wu highlighted that China-South Africa trade reached $52.5 billion in 2024, accounting for 18% of total China-Africa trade. He further noted that South Africa maintained a trade surplus of $8.83 billion with China.
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The Ambassador also confirmed Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s attendance at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa currently serves as the leader of the G20, which comprises 19 countries including the United States.
South Africa is set to host a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting from February 20–21 in Johannesburg.
However, the United States has announced that it will not attend this year’s meeting.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that he will not participate in the G20 meeting in South Africa, citing recent tensions between the two nations.
