History
South Africa 's indigenous population was originally black. In 1910, the whites from Britain ruled South Africa. South Africa declared itself a republic in 1961 and severed its ties with the Commonwealth, which strongly objected to the country's racist policies. However, the whites who are in power continue to implement the brutal policy of apartheid which has attracted worldwide condemnation and isolation. It was not until recent years and through national elections that blacks and whites share power over democratic government.

Geography
South Africa is only equivalent to an eighth of mainland China's area. South Africa is in the southern hemisphere and has tropical and subtropical climate. It has an area of 1.2 million square kilometers. The total length of the coastline is nearly 3,000 km. The eastern coastline is more prosperous. The famous cities are Pulituolie, Johannesburg, and Durban. The history of Cape Town and the Cape of Good Hope is famous in the east and the south.

South Africa has a pleasant climate. It is not that hot during summer and not too cold during winter. The climate is equivalent to China's Yunnan province. Because it is located in high altitude, the sunshine is strong and lasts for long hours. It is therefore an ideal country for the development of solar energy.

Residents

South African population is about 43 million people. 70% are indigenous blacks, and the other 30% are white, yellow, brown, and so on. Whites are from the Netherlands and the descendants of the English people and they are in control of the big businesses. Brown people, including Indians and Pakistanis, are also in control of South Africa’s small and medium-sized businesses. Chinese nationals in South Africa are many and they are engaged in commercial activities. The first were Cantonese Chinese and later there were people from Taiwan, Shanghai and Beijing. In addition, there are mixed race of white and black people and they live mainly in the south coast area of Cape Town.

Products

When my friends and relatives heard I am going to South Africa, they unanimously said that South Africa is rich in gold production and diamonds and that the price is cheap. But though South Africa is producing these things, these materials are difficult to see in the market. In recent years, because of the widespread attention given to the atomic bomb, materials such as uranium ore have occupied a very important position . In addition, agriculture sparsely inhabited South Africa's major industries. Although corn and peanut production is not small, sometimes food grain is still not sufficient.

Business

South Africa's business and China’s business are quite similar such as market on the roads, and small business operators gathered in the street selling fruit, food and daily necessities. More blacks rush to the streets to earn a living and some vendors carry on their arms some belt, watches and the other have push carts. There are also small shops everywhere and most of the operators are of Indian or Pakistani origin. Chinese nationals operate small and medium-sized shops selling footwear, luggage, and others. In particular regions in South Africa, there are also many large shops and department stores and customers were mostly white people. For example, Johannesburg in the Sandton City is one of the great shopping centers with two to three car parks. From the fourth floor to the seventh floor are shops of higher price such as those selling luxury equipment.

China is different from the whole territory of South Africa particularly in the large and medium-sized cities. There is integration of large chain stores such as Pick 'n Pay, Shoprite, Hyperama, Mart and other famous food business groups such as McDonalds, KFC and other outlets throughout the country. Coca Cola, Fenda and other beverages have become public beverages. But electrical appliances in South Africa are similar with that of China and some are even cheaper.

Traffic

South Africa 's transportation by sea can be said to be very convenient. This is attributed to the favorable natural conditions and the scientific management by a small number of people of the various constructions. Moreover, South Africa’s coastline is very long and there are many deep-water ports. There are shipments of coal, steel and iron ore.

Land transport is also very convenient for the whites and the rich people in the country who have cars. But although there are spacious flat roads and construction and traffic signals are very scientific, there are sometimes traffic jams for 10 to 20 minutes because of the large number of population who go to and from work and from school everyday. There are of course some public busses and trains in South Africa but they are far inferior to that of the private sectors’ cars. There are Freight Trains and some busses that are for tourism purposes. There are also some private and small trucks mainly owned by black passengers.

South Africa 's civil aviation industry is also very developed. There are seven operating companies for international travels including South African Airways. The airports are in Kong Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. In addition, there are also about 20 companies in South Africa that operates for domestic or local travels in 200 routes.

Political system
South Africa abolished the apartheid regime a few years ago. Apartheid began to give way when F. W. de Klerk replaced P. W. Botha as president in 1989. De Klerk removed the ban on the African National Congress (ANC) and released its leader, Nelson Mandela. The Inkatha Freedom Party, a black opposition group which was seen as collaborating with the apartheid system, frequently clashed with the ANC during this period. Policies were implemented which many criticized and commented.

The actual situation is, whites and other ethnic origin enjoy normal life and do not feel the shadow of dictatorship. The only cause of the widespread dissatisfaction is the abolition of the death penalty resulting in social upheaval and which aggravated robberies and loss of life. Dissident people said that Mandela’s humanitarian policy actually shielded robbers and killers who are economically self-sufficient. It is also fueling the root causes and spread of unrest.

South Africa , Taiwan and the Chinese mainland

In the past, South Africa and Taiwan has diplomatic relations. In January 1, 1998, the government of South Africa and China established a formal diplomatic relations acknowledging China as the only legitimate representative of China's government. In the past 20 years, South Africa and Taiwan maintained friendly relations with China after the establishment of diplomatic relations. Taiwan still sends a large number of diplomatic Commissioners to maintain a close relationship between the civil society of South Africa.

South Africa 's foreign trade and China's exports to South Africa

South Africa is famous in its gold and diamonds and it also abounds in ore but agricultural production is not yet that developed. South Africa is geographically closer to the European countries. Of course many products are imported from Europe and South Africa also exports goods to Europe. China on the other hand exports variety of goods and things to South Africa which are of low prices. The less expensive Chinese products are very attractive to the low-income local blacks which improve the momentum of Chinese exports. The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa is also beneficial China’s foreign trade conditions.