Online Reporter
Kuda Bwititi
Zimpapers Politics Hub
CHINA on Monday commemorated the 100th birth anniversary of its former President Jiang Zemin, who was regarded as a “great friend of Zimbabwe”.
The country paid tribute to a leader whose tenure helped shape China’s rise as a major global economic power and strengthened its relations with developing countries, particularly in Africa.
President Xi Jinping led a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to mark the centenary of Mr Jiang.
In his remarks, the Chinese President called for learning from the late leader’s firmness in political conviction.
He said Mr Jiang had remained steadfastly firm in communist ideals, unreservedly loyal to the party and the people.
Turning to the future, President Xi said:
“On the new journey ahead, we must heighten our sense of vigilance against potential dangers. With an indomitable fighting spirit and superb skill in struggle, we must proactively meet the major tests posed by high winds and rushing waters, or even by raging storms.”
Mr Jiang died in 2022 aged 96. He served as China’s president from 1993 to 2003, overseeing a period of rapid economic growth, deeper global engagement and China’s accession to the World Trade Organisation.
For Zimbabwe, Mr Jiang’s legacy carries a special diplomatic significance.
He made a historic State visit to the country in May 1996 as the first Chinese President to visit Zimbabwe since Independence in 1980. The visit formed part of a six-nation African tour during which Jiang sought to deepen China’s relations with the continent.
During his visit to Harare, Jiang met the late former President Robert Mugabe. In a condolence message at the Chinese Embassy in Harare following former President Jiang’s death in 2022, President Mnangagwa said he had fond memories of Jiang’s visit to Zimbabwe in 1996.
“In Cde Jiang Zemin, China and indeed the progressive world have lost a great Statesman and established international Diplomat who contributed to the greater cooperation between China and the international community.
I personally have fond memories of my personal interaction with the late Cde Jiang Zemin in 1996, when he paid a visit to Zimbabwe on a state visit and I was assigned by the late President RG Mugabe to accompany him. The visit was indeed successful and cemented the excellent relations we enjoy today between the Republic of Zimbabwe and the People’s Republic of China,” President Mnangagwa said.
