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The Chinese government has reiterated its policy position of non-interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign nations and has urged other countries to respect the outcome of Zimbabwe’s harmonised elections set for August 23.
Speaking to a group of editors at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ International Press Centre in Beijing Tuesday, Ambassador Wang Ke in the Africa Department, said as a friend of Zimbabwe, they hope the elections would be conducted without interference.
“We are very confident that Zimbabwe has the ability to manage the elections, and they will be fair and successful. The Chinese government will fully respect the result of the election. Of course, it should be free and fair. It should be a choice by the people,.
Ambassador Wang pointed out the policy mandated by President Xi Jinping who said there are five “Nos” in China’s relations with the African continent in general.
“The first one is we do not interfere in the way African countries choose to develop and secondly, we will not interfere in domestic affairs and that includes elections.”
She added that China stands ready to further strengthen relations with Zimbabwe, which date back to the days of the liberation struggle.
“We support Zimbabwe particularly in safeguarding your sovereignty and national integrity. I want to mention that in 2008 China executed the right to veto the resolution made by the US and other Western countries to sanction Zimbabwe.
“This is the only veto that China executed on an African country.”
The ambassador also touched on the recent citrus protocol signed by Zimbabwe and China, saying opportunities to export fresh produce were available but it was up to Zimbabweans to not only boost production, but also avail quality produce.
“Actually, Zimbabwe has done well, you’re much better than other African countries because I have read the data that trade volumes between our countries are US$2,4 billion.”
“Our recent citrus agreement will further enhance your exports to China but on the basis that you have to compete very well with South Africa.
“I think that it’s on your side to produce high quality, quantity and be competitive. Small quantities for Chinese trade dealers are not profitable so we are ready but African countries should make themselves ready.”
The agreement has allowed 11 citrus orchards and six citrus pack houses access to export to China.
In 2022, Zimbabwe exported 57 283 tonnes of citrus Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Great Britain and Zambia.
Online Reporter