On 19 November 2020, H.E. Chen Xiaodong, newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to South Africa presented his Letter of Credence to President Ramaphosa. The two sides also had a cordial and friendly discussion on China-South Africa relations.

Ambassador Chen Xiaodong conveyed to President Ramaphosa cordial greetings from President Xi Jinping and said that under the guidance and leadership of President Xi Jinping and Your Excellency, China-South Africa Comprehensive Strategic Partnership continues to grow in profound ways. Since COVID-19 started, the two countries have looked out for each other in fighting the virus, injecting huge positive energy into China-Africa or even the global cooperation against the virus. China is ready to deepen cooperation against COVID-19 and strengthen coordination with South Africa to expand cooperation in areas including trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, electricity, mineral resources, 5G and the digital economy, so as to support the economic recovery of both countries and work for new and greater development for China-South Africa relations. China commends South Africa's commitment to the one-China principle and wishes to strengthen cooperation with South Africa in multilateral fora such as the UN, BRICS and G20, jointly safeguard multilateralism, oppose unilateralism and hegemonic practices and promote international fairness and justice.

President Ramaphosa warmly welcomed Ambassador Chen Xiaodong to his new post in South Africa and wished to convey through the Ambassador good wishes to President Xi Jinping. The President made positive comments about China-South Africa relations and cooperation in various areas, thanked the Chinese side for support in fighting the virus and expressed that South Africa is ready to better connect development and cooperation strategies and strengthen coordination in international affairs with China, in order to further elevate China-South Africa relations.

Ambassador Chen Xiaodong arrived in South Africa to assume office on 23 September 2020.