China has reaffirmed its support for South Africa’s continued participation in activities under the Group of Twenty (G20) framework following reports that Pretoria was not invited to the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta, United States. Speaking at a regular press briefing on Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun described South Africa as an important G20 member and emphasized the importance of its continued involvement.
Guo highlighted the G20’s role in promoting international economic cooperation, multilateralism, global economic growth and improved global governance. The forum brings together major economies representing approximately 85 percent of global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population. China’s statement comes amid questions over South Africa’s participation in the upcoming G20 diplomatic engagements.
