On January 7, 2008, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi arrived in Johannesburg for a two-day official visit to South Africa, kicking off a series of events to mark the 10th anniversary of China-South Africa diplomatic relations.

In his written speech delivered at the airport, Yang said on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, he was pleased to pay an official visit to South Africa at the invitation of South African Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. "I would like to take the opportunity to convey cordial greetings and best wishes from the Chinese people to the South African people," said Yang.

Yang said since the establishment of diplomatic relations 10 years ago, bilateral ties have achieved rapid and comprehensive development with frequent high-level visits, increasing political trust, fruitful cooperation on economy, trade, science and technology and culture and close consultations in international and regional affairs. The two countries forged a strategic partnership based on equality, mutual benefits and common development in 2004. The Chinese foreign minister expressed satisfaction with the sound development of bilateral ties.

"This is my first visit to South Africa." said Yang. "I look forward to exchanging in-depth views with Foreign Minister Zuma and other South African leaders on bilateral ties and international and regional issues of common concern," he added. Through this visit, he hoped to share with the South African people the happiness about the occasion and look forward to the bright future of bilateral cooperation so as to push forward China-South Africa strategic partnership.