The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Angie Motshekga, hosted the Minister of National Defence of the People’s Republic of China, Admiral Dong Jun, for high-level bilateral talks at the Department of Defence headquarters in Pretoria. Accompanied by a senior delegation of 18 military and government officials, Admiral Dong’s official visit from 31 May to 3 June 2026 marked a historic milestone, representing his first official visit to the African continent since assuming office in December 2023.
In strict keeping with military protocol, Minister Motshekga hosted a formal welcome ceremony for Admiral Dong at the Pretoria headquarters and accompanied him during the traditional inspection of a full military guard of honour. Following the ceremonial proceedings, the two leaders and their respective delegations proceeded to closed-door, in-camera engagements to unpack the growing strategic alignment between the two nations.
The strategic deliberations focused heavily on in-depth discussions regarding bilateral defence and military-to-military relations, the complex regional and international security environment and shared ideas on ensuring long-term peace, security and stability to safeguard the African region. The presence of such a high-ranking delegation highlights the commitment of both defence departments to expanding practical security cooperation, maritime security initiatives and shared defense technologies.
Ultimately, the successful deliberations officially reaffirmed the shared vision of South Africa and China. Both sides pledged to continue implementing the important consensus reached by their respective Heads of State, strengthening comprehensive, practical defence cooperation and contributing directly to regional and global stability moving forward.
