Patience Muchemwa
Senior Reporter
The recent celebration in Harare marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China highlighted the strength of the enduring alliance between Zimbabwe and China.
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“In the past year, the China-Zimbabwe relations have achieved an all-round leap, with His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s state visit to China as the highlight. The historic visit marks a new milestone in our bilateral relations. The two heads of states, H.E. President Xi Jinping and H.E. President Mnangagwa agreed to establish a "five-star ironclad" cooperation framework,” said Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding in his speech.
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He said the choice of the African Heritage Village as the venue for China’s National Day celebrations is a reflection of the shared values and respect for cultural heritage that underpin the relationship between China and Zimbabwe.
The event was well patronised by dignitaries who included several ambassadors including those from Russia, the EU, Egypt and Ghana among others.
Speaking at the celebration gala, Minister of Legal, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, acknowledged China’s crucial role in supporting Zimbabwe during its liberation struggle.
“We owe much of our freedom to the early support of China, which recognized our fight for sovereignty when many others remained silent.”
Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri was the guest of honour and helped in the cake cutting ceremony.
The partnership, which began as a military alliance, has since expanded into many other spheres, notably economics and culture.
Guests at the event enjoyed Chinese culinary offerings from different restaurants in the capital including Wonderful, Great Wall, China Garden and
Historical Roots: A Partnership Forged in Struggle
The long-standing friendship is rooted in a shared history of struggle, cooperation, and mutual support, dating back to Zimbabwe's fight for independence.
The foundations of China-Zimbabwe relations were laid in the early 1960s during Zimbabwe’s liberation war against British colonial rule. China played a crucial role in supporting the liberation movement, providing military training, weapons, and tactical advice to freedom fighters.
Many prominent Zimbabwean figures, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa, received military training in China. Between 1963 and 1964, Mnangagwa was part of a group of fighters who travelled to China to gain essential guerrilla warfare skills. This support was pivotal in the fight against colonial oppression and forged deep ties between the two nations
This relationship, which began during the liberation war, has blossomed into a multifaceted partnership that spans diplomacy, economic development, cultural exchange, and education
Modern Cooperation: Economic and Cultural Synergies
In the decades following Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, the friendship with China has evolved into a strategic partnership aimed at rebuilding and modernizing the nation.
China has become Zimbabwe’s key trading partner, with significant investments in agriculture, mining, and infrastructure. The recent diplomatic event in Harare, hosted by the Chinese Embassy, underscored these achievements.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding, spoke about the numerous ways China has supported Zimbabwe’s economic recovery, including funding borehole projects to mitigate water shortages, providing food aid during the El Niño-induced drought, and financing medical initiatives.
Zimbabwean exports to China, such as citrus fruits, avocados, sesame seeds, and macadamia nuts, have also strengthened economic ties. This growing trade relationship is bolstered by Chinese private sector investments that have helped rejuvenate key sectors of Zimbabwe's economy. Ambassador Zhou emphasized that this cooperation is based on the principles of mutual respect and win-win results, a mantra often repeated in China’s diplomatic engagements across Africa.
Cultural Exchange: A Bridge of Understanding
Beyond economic and political collaboration, cultural exchange has emerged as a cornerstone of China-Zimbabwe relations.
The celebration at the African Heritage Village in Harare, in honor of China’s 75th National Day, showcased the depth of cultural understanding between the two countries.
The harmoniously interwoven singing by Chinese and Zimbabwean vocalists of the classic Ruva Rangu sent the packed auditorium into thunderous applause.
The sense of mutual respect and camaraderie was palpable and further demonstrated during the networking and time after the official proceedings when guests danced to music from the Zimbabwe College of Music ensemble.
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China-Zimbabwe Stone Sculpture Exhibition
One of the highlights of China-Zimbabwe cultural cooperation is the success of the ongoing exhibition of stone sculptures in Beijing, which brought Zimbabwe’s rich artistic heritage to the Chinese public. This exhibit was met with significant acclaim and helped further popularize Zimbabwean art in China.
Ambassador Zhou noted the growing appreciation for Zimbabwean traditional arts in China as a symbol of the deepening friendship between the two nations.
Education has also played a pivotal role in strengthening these bonds. Through scholarships and training programs, thousands of Zimbabweans have studied in China, returning home with skills and knowledge that contribute to national development. This educational exchange has created a generation of Zimbabweans who are well-versed in Chinese culture, language, and diplomacy, further embedding the partnership between the two nations.
A Shared Vision for the Future
As China and Zimbabwe continue to navigate a rapidly changing global landscape, their partnership is set to grow even stronger.
The Chinese government has committed to further investments in Zimbabwe’s infrastructure, agriculture, and public health sectors, while Zimbabwe remains an integral part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to boost global trade and infrastructure development.
Looking ahead, the relationship between China and Zimbabwe is expected to expand into new areas, with cultural diplomacy and economic collaboration continuing to drive this strategic partnership. The strong historical foundations of this friendship, built during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, have evolved into a modern alliance that benefits both nations, serving as a model for South-South cooperation in the 21st century.
In conclusion, the China-Zimbabwe partnership is a testament to what can be achieved when two nations commit to mutual understanding, shared development, and cultural exchange. As the two countries continue to collaborate, their bond only grows deeper, promising a future of sustained cooperation and prosperity.
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