China and South Africa held their first strategic dialogue on April 23, 2008. The dialogue was co-chaired by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui and his South African counterpart Aziz Pahad.

The two sides briefed each other on their foreign strategy and policy on African affairs and exchanged views on bilateral ties and major international and regional issues of common concern, reaching broad consensus. Both sides agreed that the dialogue, held between the two important developing countries, helped promote mutual understanding and mutual trust, and enhance bilateral communication and coordination on major issues. It was also of positive significance to deepening bilateral strategic partnership and a new type of China-Africa strategic partnership so as to build a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity. Both sides were satisfied with the results of the first strategic dialogue and pledged that they would further strengthen cooperation under the mechanism. The two sides agreed to build the dialogue into an effective mechanism to advance bilateral ties.