China, Zimbabwe celebrate 45 years of fruitful partnership, aiming to expand cooperation across all areas - African Times
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The year 2025 marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Zimbabwe. During this period, China-Zimbabwe economic

As you are aware, relations between Zimbabwe and China are longstanding and enduring. This friendship is rooted in history, forged during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle in the 1960s and 1970s, when China supported the fight for Zimbabwe’s freedom and independence by providing diplomatic support, solidarity, and other material assistance to our national liberation movements. For these sacrifices, Zimbabweans will be eternally grateful to China. After Zimbabwe’s independence, this trusted friendship continued and has been tested and strengthened over the past four decades. We have consistently stood by each other in both good and difficult times.

This relationship is firmly based on both countries’ unwavering commitment to the principles of equality among nations, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and opposition to external interference in the internal affairs of other countries. In line with this, China took a bold and principled stance in 2008 by vetoing a UN Security Council resolution — sponsored by Western countries — targeting Zimbabwe. China has also consistently opposed Western sanctions on Zimbabwe.

In return, Zimbabwe firmly upholds the one-China principle regarding Taiwan and opposes the weaponisation of human rights against China. Zimbabwe and China collaborate closely in bodies such as the UN Human Rights Council to thwart Western attempts to tarnish their image. At the AU, Zimbabwe works alongside China to foster peace and stability across the continent. Additionally, the two nations actively cooperate within the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

Zimbabwe and China are jointly committed to advocating for a just and equitable global political and economic order that meets contemporary needs. Both countries support UN reforms to ensure that Africa gains permanent representation in the UN Security Council, as well as changes in voting rights at the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to reflect the evolving global economic landscape.

Related: Interview: 45 years on, Zimbabwe-China ties continue to deepen