Olivia Siong

World More than 1,700 leaders, including from government, business and academia, will attend the three-day event – the World Economic Forum's second largest annual gathering – from Tuesday (Jun 23). More than 1,700 leaders from over 90 countries, including from government, business and academia, will attend the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian, China this week. (Photo: CNA/Tan Si Hui) New: You can now listen to articles. This audio is generated by an AI tool.

CAPE TOWN: Uncertainty stemming from high import tariffs imposed by the United States is accelerating South Africa’s push to deepen economic ties with partners such as China – even if it means raising uncomfortable issues, said South Africa’s Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau. “China's importance has increased,” Tau told CNA on Wednesday (Feb 11), a few days after both nations signed a framework agreement for a new trade deal.