Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma in Sanya, Hainan province, April 13, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

SANYA - Chinese President Hu Jintao and his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma met Wednesday in Sanya City of south China's Hainan Province to exchange views on the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

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Hu and Zuma are also expected to discuss major world and regional issues of mutual interest during their meeting before Thursday's BRICS summit, which will gather leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

It will be the first time for South Africa to attend the BRICS summit.

Relations between China and South Africa have developed continuously since the two countries set up diplomatic ties 13 years ago.

In August 2010, Zuma paid a state visit to China, during which the two countries agreed to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership.

China is now South Africa's top trade partner and South Africa is China's largest trade partner in Africa.

Bilateral trade of the two countries jumped about 60 percent year on year to $25.65 billion in 2010.