SA, China must be equals: DA

South Africa should see itself as an equal and not a subordinate to China, a Democratic Alliance MP said on Tuesday.

Stevens Mokgalapa said the government should show its political strength and maturity by not bowing to pressure from China to deny the Dalai Lama a visa to South Africa.

“China is a not a democracy with a Constitution that governs through the rule of law. We should not allow it to have an undue influence on matters that go to the heart of our political independence,” he said.

“As a Brics partner with the Chinese we must view our relationship with them as equals, not subordinates.”

The Tibetan spiritual leader has been invited to visit South Africa by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who celebrates his 80th birthday in October.

The Dalai Lama was refused entry to the country two years ago. -

Sapa