The Daily Maverick published on 30 March 2020 a commentary titled "Ambassador Lin Songtian's Recall Signals Shifts Ahead in China-Africa Relationship" by Cobus van Staden, South African Institute of International Affairs.
China's recently recalled ambassador to South Africa, Lin Songtian, is the former director general for Africa in the foreign ministry and one of China's most senior ambassadors. He was well known for his media outreach and use of Twitter in South Africa, especially his critique of US policy in Africa. His premature departure from Pretoria may signal a promotion whereby he joins China's effort to criticize US policy globally and highlight the positive aspects of China's policy.
