On December 3, 2025, Johannesburg welcomed around 200 policy makers, business leaders and scholars for the English-language debut of the fifth volume of 'Xi Jinping: The Governance of China'. Hosted by the State Council Information Office of China, China International Communications Group and the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, the event offered a deep dive into China's path to modernization—an approach many Global South countries are watching closely.
The fifth volume outlines Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, detailing core priorities from poverty alleviation to technological innovation. South African Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Maropene Ramokgopa highlighted how the book sheds light on China's strategies for driving green development, promoting common prosperity and strengthening global partnerships.
As two leading BRICS members, China and South Africa are aligning their initiatives. Attendees heard how the ten partnership actions for advancing modernization and the four major global initiatives will steer joint efforts—linking China's Belt and Road Initiative with South Africa's National Development Plan 2030 to boost infrastructure, trade and sustainable growth.
Cedric Frolick, Chairperson of the National Assembly House, praised the volume as a 'comprehensive blueprint' for governance. He pointed to the principles of putting people first and building a community with a shared future for humanity as catalysts for more inclusive policymaking across developing regions.
During breakout sessions, participants exchanged experiences on high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, best practices in poverty reduction and pathways to digital transformation. For the Global South, these discussions underscored the rising momentum behind South-South collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
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5th volume of Xi's governance works promoted in South Africa
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