Zimbabwe and China are on the eve of celebrating a landmark 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations, which turn a new page in the history of the two nations.
The anniversary is on Friday, 18 April 2025.
China and Zimbabwe have had a close, fraternal relationship since the latter's independence.
The Asian country has an embassy in Harare while on the other hand Zimbabwe has an embassy in Beijing and a consulate-general in Hong Kong.
China was one of the first countries to open a diplomatic mission in the newly independent state in 1980, and the relations between China and Zimbabwe continue to firm.
Last year, the China-Zimbabwe relations have achieved an all-round leap, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s state visit to China as the highlight.
President Xi Jinping and President Mnangagwa had talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
President Xi emphasised that in recent years, guided by their mutual objectives, Zimbabwe and China have deepened political trust and achieved significant results in cooperation, serving as a model for solidarity among developing nations.
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“The two sides should uphold the spirit of friendship and establish a comprehensive ‘five-star ironclad’ cooperation framework focused on politics, economics, security, culture, and international collaboration. Together, we can build a high-level China-Zimbabwe community with a shared future,” he stated.
Over the past 45 years, the relationship between China and Zimbabwe has blossomed into a steadfast partnership that extends far beyond the political arena.
It has flourished in a multitude of sectors, including trade and investment, painting a vibrant picture of mutual growth and cooperation.
Official statistics tell a compelling story of this flourishing partnership.
Chinese private sector investments in Zimbabwe have skyrocketed, surging from a significant US$445,9 million in 2019 to an astonishing US$3,4 billion in 2023.
The momentum continued to build in 2024, with bilateral trade hitting a remarkable new high of $3,8 billion, marking an impressive 23,9% year-on-year increase.
Zimbabwe's exports to China soared to $2,4 billion, while its imports from China reached $1,4 billion, registering a staggering 315,5% growth.
These numbers aren't just figures on a page; they represent the tangible fruits of a deepening economic bond.
Last year, when the two heads of state met, it was a moment of significance and promise.
They jointly witnessed the signing of a series of crucial deals, covering a wide range of areas, from Belt and Road cooperation and the Global Development Initiative to economic and trade exchanges.
Each signed agreement was like a building block, strengthening the foundation of their partnership and opening up new horizons for shared prosperity.
Ambassador Zhou Ding has consistently emphasized the immense potential for deepening cooperation in key sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, minerals, and new energy.
He has underscored China's commitment to supporting Zimbabwe's modernisation journey, stating: “China will always be a reliable partner as Zimbabwe builds modernization and works towards Vision 2030.”
This isn't just a statement; it's a pledge rooted in a long history of mutual support and shared aspirations.
China's contributions to Zimbabwe's development are evident in several landmark projects.
The construction of a new parliament building and the expansion of the Hwange Thermal Power Station stand as shining examples.
The addition of two new 300 MW units at the power station, completed in August 2023, increased its capacity to 1,520 MW.
This significant upgrade is not just about generating more electricity; it's about powering Zimbabwe's progress, alleviating power shortages, and fueling economic growth.
Meanwhile, China's supply of agricultural equipment, seeds, and fertilizers has been a lifeline for Zimbabwe's smallholder farmers.
It has breathed new life into the agricultural sector, boosting food production and ensuring food security for communities across the country.
Besides its cordial relations with Zimbabwe, China also has cultivated warm and mutually beneficial relationships with numerous other African countries.
As Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat, foreign affairs minister and member of the Political Bureau of the governing Communist Party of China (CPC), passionately stated at a press conference last month that: “Africa is a fertile land of hope of the 21st century. There will be no global modernization without African modernization. The stability and development of Africa is vital to the future of humanity, and the world must listen to Africa and heed its concerns. Africa is going through a new awakening, and countries should support Africa in exploring a new development path of self-reliance and self-strengthening.”
As Zimbabwe and China commemorate and celebrate 45 remarkable years of their robust and fruitful relations, a fraternal bond that has come through vicissitudes and remained iron-clad, their heart-warming partnership serves as a profound testament to the enduring power of mutual respect, shared development, and unwavering solidarity.
The 45-year relationship between Zimbabwe and China is a shining example of what can be accomplished when two nations come together in a spirit of friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect.
Together, our two great nations have convincingly demonstrated that true friendship transcends distance and decades, lighting the way for a new era of South-South cooperation.
Together, we can continue to build upon past successes, address current challenges, and create a brighter future for both peoples and for the world.
April 18, 2025 is a milestone. Beyond this milestone, we have a hopeful future to look forward to, a future filled with even greater achievements and shared prosperity.
