Xi's upcoming visit to advance China-Central Asia community with shared future

Xinhua - 17 June 2025

* At the invitation of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana from June 16 to 18.
* More than 2,100 years ago, Han Dynasty envoy Zhang Qian's journey to western regions ushered in China-Central Asia friendly exchanges. Today, China has established comprehensive strategic partnerships, signed Belt and Road cooperation documents and implemented the vision of building a community with a shared future at the bilateral level with all five Central Asian countries.
* According to China's General Administration of Customs, China-Central Asia trade reached 94.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, a record increase of 5.4 billion dollars from the previous year.
* With the establishment of Chinese Cultural Centers and Confucius Institutes, Chinese language fever and "China fever" are heating up in Central Asian countries, bringing more and more young people to study in China.

Russia Day Celebrated in Pretoria Strengthening South Africa–Russia Ties

By Anisha Pemjee - TDS

13 June 2025 

Russia Day was celebrated in Pretoria with a cultural evening that brought together diplomats, government officials, and friends of Russia. The event, hosted by the Embassy of the Russian Federation in South Africa, reflected the deepening relationship between the two countries and their shared commitment to global cooperation.

Dialogue Among Civilizations, A New Dawn for Humanity

By Kirtan Bhana - TDS

13 June 2025

June 10, 2025, marked a watershed moment in the annals of human history, the first International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations, officially declared by the United Nations and initiated by the People's Republic of China. It is not simply a commemoration, but a clarion call to humanity to reconnect with its ancestral wisdom and collective purpose in a rapidly changing global order.

South African Haute Couture Collaboration in Greece

12 June 2025

On Wednesday, 04 June 2025, a charity fashion show, Hautes Grecians 2025 was held in the historic gardens of South Africa’s Official Residence in Greece. The fashion show brought together the creative forces of Greece and South Africa, celebrating cultural identity and the power of expression through haute couture. This collaboration highlighted the unique blend of Greek and African cultural influences, as well as economic and career opportunities in the fashion, clothing and textiles industry.

Eid al-Adha - A Celebration of Devotion, Sacrifice, and Solidarity

By Kirtan Bhana, Editor, The Diplomatic Society

10 June 2025

On the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Adha, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to South Africa, Mr Faisal Al Harbi, hosted a reception in Pretoria on 9 June 2025 to mark one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar which was observed on June 7. The gathering brought together diplomats, faith leaders, civil society representatives, and prominent South African figures, including Dr. Naledi Pandor, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, in a spirit of unity, faith, and global fraternity.

Promoting Dialogue Among Civilizations to Build a Better World

Remarks by H.E. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China at the Event to Celebrate The International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations

June 10, 2025 is the first International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations of the United Nations. I am delighted to celebrate this special day together with friends all over the world.

Empowering Tradition, Shaping the Future: The Launch of the South African Royal Princesses Network 

By Kirtan Bhana - TDS

9 June 2025

In a resounding affirmation of South Africa’s rich traditional heritage and the central role of women in reshaping the future of the continent, the official launch of the South African Royal Princesses Network (SARPN) took place at Freedom Park, Pretoria on 31 May 2025 — a venue steeped in the symbolism of history, healing, and the continuing struggle to correct the colonial narrative. This historic occasion marked a significant moment for African identity, womanhood, and indigenous knowledge systems, as the nation finds its voice amid a rapidly shifting global paradigm.

RUSSIA–UKRAINE AND THE FUTILITY OF MODERN WAR 
A Mirror to Humanity’s Moral Crisis
By Kirtan Bhana

9 June 2025

In an era defined by breathtaking technological progress, instant global communication, and boundless access to knowledge, it is nothing short of tragic that war remains one of humanity’s most persistent expressions of power. The Russia–Ukraine conflict, now a grinding and protracted geopolitical disaster, is not just a regional issue—it is a global indictment of how deeply broken our systems of diplomacy, truth, and leadership truly are.

RUSSIA–UKRAINE AND THE FUTILITY OF MODERN WAR 
A Mirror to Humanity’s Moral Crisis
By Kirtan Bhana

9 June 2025

In an era defined by breathtaking technological progress, instant global communication, and boundless access to knowledge, it is nothing short of tragic that war remains one of humanity’s most persistent expressions of power. The Russia–Ukraine conflict, now a grinding and protracted geopolitical disaster, is not just a regional issue—it is a global indictment of how deeply broken our systems of diplomacy, truth, and leadership truly are.

China committed to building South China Sea into sea of peace, friendship, cooperation: report

BEIJING, 9 June 2025 (Xinhua) -- Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency, on Sunday released a report highlighting China's commitment to building the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation.

SA to participate in Ministerial Belt and Road Science and Technology Conference

6 June 2025

Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Professor Blade Nzimande is set to lead South Africa’s delegation to the Second Ministerial Belt and Road Science and Technology Conference in China next week. “The Belt and Road Science and Technology Conference presents South Africa with a unique opportunity to enhance cooperation with the People’s Republic of China in key technology areas such as artificial intelligence, future energy, transport systems, and traditional medicines.”