China regards South Africa's policy of apartheid, its attempt to obstruct the independence of Namibia and its flagrant violation of the sovereignty of its neighbours as the main sources of the continued tension and turmoil in that region. China cannot condone such obstinacy and perversity. It therefore strongly supports the just struggle of the peoples of South Africa, Namibia and southern Africa. It also supports the front-line States in their search for peace and stability consistent with their own conditions. 29. On 25 June 1988, the spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry sternly condemned South Africa's incursion against Botswana territory and sovereignty, causing bloodshed and tension in the region. 30. On 14 July, the spokesman for the Foreign Ministry made a statement on the seventieth birthday of Nelson Mandela, in which he demanded the release of Mandela and other anti-apartheid prisoners. The following day, a birthday celebration was held in Beijing for Mandela. The Afro-Asian Centre and the Afro-Asian Research Institute of the Social Science Academy jointly held a seminar on the thoughts and practice of Nelson Mandela. The participants of the seminar paid tribute to Mandela's courage and his contribution to the cause of freedom in Africa. 31. On 9 August 1988, the spokesman for the Foreign Ministry commented on the agreement concluded between Angola, Cuba and South Africa, under which a cease-fire would take effect among the parties and South African troops would be withdrawn from Angola. China welcomed this progress in negotiating a political settlement of the situation in Angola and Namibia. 32. On 25 August 1988, the spokesman for the Foreign Ministry urged the prompt and unconditional release of Nelson Mandela, expressing once again the conviction that his timely release would move the situation in South Africa towards a just solution.
**Analysis**
This text appears to be a statement of China's foreign policy towards South Africa and the surrounding region, focusing on the political situation, human rights, and international relations. It does not contain any information related to economic development, natural resources, industry, transport, communication, health, education, employment, humanitarian aid, or culture. The text primarily discusses the political situation in South Africa and the region, which suggests that it belongs to the category of international relations.

**Category**
International relations