China congratulates Zuma on re-election

A Foreign Ministry spokeswoman on Wednesday congratulated South African President Jacob Zuma on his re-election as head of the ruling African National Congress (ANC).

"We believe the South African people are bound to score remarkable progress in the cause of national development under the leadership of President Zuma and the ANC," spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a daily press briefing.

China will advance exchanges and cooperation with the South African government and the ANC, she said.

It was announced on Tuesday that Zuma defeated his deputy Kgalema Motlanthe in the ANC presidential race.

The ANC's elective conference, which opened on Dec. 16, is expected to shape the country's future political landscape. Given the ANC's electoral dominance in the country, the winner of the race will likely be elected president of the country during the 2014 elections.