Key status reflects countries on the move

South Africa

South Africa has been China's largest trading partner in Africa for eight consecutive years, and China has been South Africa's largest trading partner for nine years.

The country is rich in mineral resources and is ranked among the top five in the world.

Mining, manufacturing and agriculture are the three pillars of the country's economy. Apart from diamonds and platinum, South Africa's fruits, wines and wool are world-famous thanks to its unique geographical location and climate.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa.

The bilateral trade volume between the two nations reached $39.17 billion in 2017, an increase of 11.7 percent year on year, setting a record high.