China stands firmly with Zimbabwe in pursuit of industrialisation

Remarks by His Excellency Zhou Ding, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, at Chinese National Day Reception

Harare, 16 September 2026

Good afternoon! Masikati!

It is my great honour to welcome all of you to today’s Chinese National Day Reception, marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. I hope you all enjoyed the video we just watched, which offered a glimpse of China and captured some of the memorable moments of our bilateral ties over the past year.

Distinguished Guests, Dear Friends,

Seventy-seven years ago, China emerged from a century of foreign aggression and domestic turmoil. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, which observes its 105th anniversary this year, China has developed into a thriving nation, a major global economy, and the world’s largest manufacturer and trader of goods, advancing steadily on the Chinese path to modernization.

In 2025, China’s GDP exceeded 140 trillion yuan, equivalent to approximately US$19.6 trillion—registering 5% year-on-year growth. China’s innovation-driven, people-centred economic growth continues to show strong resilience. China remains the global leader in newly installed renewable energy capacity and the new energy vehicle sector. It also maintains solid competitiveness in open-source AI models, intelligent robotics, quantum information, advanced semiconductor chips, and nuclear fusion technology.

China remains a major driver and stabilizer of global growth. Its cost-effective products and technologies, overseas investments and vast consumer market keep generating business opportunities, boosting local production and supporting livelihoods worldwide — across Africa, and right here in Zimbabwe.

China has remained Africa’s largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years. In the first half of 2026, China-Africa trade hit a record high of US$208 billion. Effective May 1st this year, China rolled out zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries with diplomatic ties. Merely two months after the policy entered into force, China’s imports from Africa surged by 23.5% year-on-year, opening greater access for African products to China’s vast market. These tangible outcomes stand as testimony to South-South cooperation in action.

At a time when deficits in peace, development, security and governance keep growing, and against the backdrop of global volatility, China continues to offer new approaches to the challenges confronting world peace and global governance. In the past several years, H.E. Chinese President Xi Jinping has successively put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative. These initiatives aim to advance an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, making solid contributions to global peace, stability and prosperity.

In July 2026, China hosted the World AI Conference and the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance. H.E. President Xi Jinping articulated China’s vision for global AI development, which prioritizes safety, international cooperation, and support for developing countries. The World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) has been officially launched to foster a sound AI governance architecture tailored for the Global South. China will set up AI cooperation hubs with BRICS, ASEAN, the African Union and other regional frameworks. China stands ready to share affordable, accessible AI solutions to unlock local development potential, empower businesses and communities, and drive inclusive growth in Zimbabwe and across Africa.

Dear Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Both China and Zimbabwe believe that all countries, regardless of size, strength or wealth, are equal members of the international community. At a time when multilateralism and the international order are under serious challenge, China and Zimbabwe are key partners in safeguarding international fairness and justice and advancing global governance. On this special occasion, I would like to extend my warm congratulations to Zimbabwe on assuming the COMESA Chairmanship this October, as well as on its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2027–2028 term. China applauds and fully supports Zimbabwe’s endeavours to play a greater role in regional and international affairs. We look forward to deepening cooperation with Zimbabwe to practice true multilateralism and uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

The video we just watched together showcased the fruitful outcomes of China–Zimbabwe cooperation over the past year. It fills me with immense pride, joy, and gratitude. Yet what we have seen represents only part of our joint efforts and shared accomplishments. Looking back on the past year, I would sum up our bilateral journey in three words: heritage, harvest, and heart.

First, it has been a year of honouring our shared heritage. On January 28th this year, H.E. President Xi Jinping sent a heart-warming reply letter to Zimbabwe’s liberation war veterans, rekindling memories of our shared heroic struggles. Building on this positive momentum, we facilitated a visit to China by Minister Monicah Mavhunga and a delegation of liberation war veterans. Such exchanges, spanning time and continents, remind us that the China–Zimbabwe friendship is never transactional. It was forged through shared struggles and common values. This profound legacy of liberation continues to bind our two nations together.

Second, it has been a year of reaping fruitful harvests. Our flagship cooperation projects have continued to deliver tangible results. The upgraded Robert Mugabe International Airport and Victoria Falls International Airport, funded by China, continue to serve as regional aviation hubs, enhancing Zimbabwe’s international connectivity and visibility. The Hwange Power Station Units 7 and 8 and the Kariba South Hydropower Station continue to supply more than half of Zimbabwe’s electricity, powering households and industries.

Over the past year, we have also delivered a host of signature projects benefiting communities across Zimbabwe — including the High Performance Computing Centre, the Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Agriculture, the Juncao Technology Assistance Project, 300 boreholes, the donation of 5,000 metric tonnes of rice, plus drought mitigation and post-disaster maternal and child health projects in partnership with with UN agencies, to name just a few. These wide-ranging initiatives strongly complement the Zimbabwean Government’s endeavours to improve people’s livelihoods, advance industrial development and pursue national modernisation.

Over the past year, China has remained Zimbabwe’s largest source of foreign investment. Dinson Iron and Steel Plant has established Zimbabwe as a major steel exporter in Africa, while Huayou’s Prospect Lithium project delivered the continent’s first batch of lithium sulphate products. Chinese-funded cement plants have significantly reduced Zimbabwe’s import dependence and strengthened its industrial self-sufficiency. A number of solar power projects and new waste-to-energy initiatives will soon add more than 1,000 megawatts of installed power capacity, further easing Zimbabwe’s power shortages. Chinese enterprises have channelled more than US$100 million into corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes nationwide, supporting schools, clinics, rural roads and boreholes, among others.

Going forward, under Zimbabwe’s Open for Business policy, guided by market-based and commercial principles, and anchored in our traditional friendship, Chinese investment will continue to boost Zimbabwe’s industrial capacity and local value addition.

Third, it has been a year of deepening heart-to-heart bonds. The year 2026 marks the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. The Chinese Embassy has hosted a rich array of cultural activities, and facilitated exchange and training programmes. So far in 2026, over 500 Zimbabwean officials and professionals have participated in over 80 capacity-building programmes in China. Meanwhile, nearly 10,000 Zimbabweans have travelled to China in the first eight months of 2026, representing a 55% year-on-year increase. These vibrant exchanges bear full testimony to the profound friendship shared by our two peoples.

The Chinese Medical Team and Chinese Agricultural Experts Group have stayed dedicated to their local missions, delivering free medical services and building poverty alleviation demonstration villages. Events including the Chinese Bridge Competition and the Dreamstar Talent Show continue to cement the enduring people-to-people bonds between China and Zimbabwe.

Distinguished Guests, dear friends,

Guided by the strategic consensus between our two Heads of State, the all-weather China-Zimbabwe community with a shared future has grown ever stronger. This year marks the launch of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, which resonates closely with Zimbabwe’s NDS2. As Zimbabwe forges ahead with its Vision 2030 under H.E. President ED Mnangagwa’s inspiring mantra — “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo”— Zimbabwe does not walk this journey alone. China stands firmly with Zimbabwe in its pursuit of industrialization and modernization. As a time-honoured Shona proverb wisely puts it, “Rume rimwe harikombi churu”. China will remain Zimbabwe’s most reliable and steadfast partner—today, tomorrow, and always.

Thank you! Tatenda! Siyabonga!

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends,

Now may I invite the Guest of Honour, Hon. Minister Shava, to the podium for a toast.

May I propose a toast:

– To the good health of H.E. President Xi Jinping and H.E. President ED Mnangagwa!

– To the lasting prosperity of the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Zimbabwe, and to the happiness of our two peoples!

– To the time-honored friendship and ever-growing solidarity between China and Zimbabwe!

Cheers!