China is one of the key members of the BRICS bloc.
As the second largest economy in the world, it remains a central member within the grouping of influential economies.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to host his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping ahead of the much-anticipated gathering in Johannesburg next week.
Beijing is also Pretoria's top trading partner.
Khayelihle Khumalo filed this report.
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