On January 1, 2008, Chinese President Hu Jintao and his South African counterpart Thabo Mbeki exchanged messages to mark the 10th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

In his message, Hu said China and South Africa forged diplomatic relations 10 years ago, opening up a new chapter for bilateral relations. The two countries have witnessed an all-round, rapid development in their relations over the past ten years with effective exchanges and cooperation at all levels and in various areas and mutual support and close cooperation in international and regional affairs. The Chinese government and people value the friendship between the two countries and always look at bilateral relations from an overall strategic perspective, Hu said. To continuously consolidate and strengthen Sino-South African relations is not only in the fundamental interests of the two peoples, but also conducive to solidarity and cooperation between China and Africa, as well as world peace and common development, he added. "I am willing to work with you to deepen the traditional friendship between our two nations, enhance the all-round and pragmatic cooperation, and continuously push forward the Sino-South African ties to new heights," said the Chinese president. He also expressed belief that with the joint efforts of both sides, the Sino-South African strategic partnership will achieve better development.

Mbeki said in his message that bilateral exchanges and cooperation, with unremitting efforts from both sides, have made rapid and huge progress over the past 10 years, the foundation of bilateral ties has been consolidated, and bilateral ties have developed into a mutually-beneficial strategic partnership covering a broad area. Mbeki said South Africa is willing to make concerted efforts with China to strengthen cooperation in bilateral and multilateral areas within the framework of a bilateral committee of the two countries and push bilateral strategic partnership to a higher level.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and his South African counterpart Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma also swapped greetings on the occasion.