Actually, China is South Africa's largest trading partner, and our political ties are equally strong, which is why we denied the Dalai Lama a visa. Something which caused major outrage here. We have had a "look East policy" since the end of apartheid.
As for war drums and trade considerations, China has published in their state owned newspaper that war with the US is looking increasingly likely if the US doesn't back off in the South China Sea situation, so naturally trade doesn't seem to be a deciding factor. I should also have mentioned when I said "BRICS" in a war situation, I mostly refer to a Russian/China alliance, SA and Brazil hardly have military capability to speak of, which is just wonderful.
As for war drums and trade considerations, China has published in their state owned newspaper that war with the US is looking increasingly likely if the US doesn't back off in the South China Sea situation, so naturally trade doesn't seem to be a deciding factor. I should also have mentioned when I said "BRICS" in a war situation, I mostly refer to a Russian/China alliance, SA and Brazil hardly have military capability to speak of, which is just wonderful.