Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure, [email protected]
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday received a special letter from his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, praising Zimbabwe’s veterans of the liberation struggle for their role as a critical pillar in strengthening the enduring diplomatic ties between the two sister Republics. Chinese Ambassador Zhou Ding presented the letter to the President at State House in Harare.
The correspondence was a response to a group of Zimbabwean national liberation war veterans, who had written to President Xi expressing their profound gratitude for China’s invaluable support during the struggle against colonial rule. In his reply, President Xi noted that, in their youth, the veterans devoted themselves to the great cause of national liberation, leaving their homelands to forge a deep friendship and comradeship with China in the heat of the struggle.
President Mnangagwa, himself a graduate of the Nanjing Military Academy, read the letter to a group of veterans — some of whom received training in China, while others were trained by Chinese instructors in Africa during the 1960s and 1970s. He briefly reflected on his own military training in China, reaffirming a bond forged in the trenches that continues to shape Zimbabwe’s foreign policy.
Speaking after the presentation, Ambassador Zhou said the relationship between the two nations has evolved beyond its revolutionary roots and now serves as a blueprint for 21st century modernisation.
“I believe President Xi’s response to our veterans is significant. His words do not only reflect on the past but also convey a vision for the future. We want to tell our younger generations to know about our common value, our common legacy, which has been providing the strength,” Ambassador Zhou said.
He highlighted that China’s support has remained steadfast for decades, transitioning from military and political assistance during the war to backing nation building, economic development and social progress after Independence. Ambassador Zhou also noted that China remains Zimbabwe’s primary source of foreign investment, sustaining more than one million jobs through various projects.
“This support arises from military collaboration, investment partnerships, and a vibrant exchange of cultural and social ties between our peoples. We are not only recognising the contributions of Zimbabwe’s war veterans… but we also want to encourage not just Zimbabweans, but also Chinese youth, to learn about this significant part of history,” he added.
The Ambassador expressed his personal honour in working with President Mnangagwa, noting that he has accompanied the Zimbabwean leader on two visits to China during his tenure — which he described as unprecedented.
Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs Minister Monica Mavhunga welcomed China’s enduring role in Zimbabwe’s development.
“China supported our revolution and liberation by providing material assistance and training for our members. Our comrades recognised this ongoing support even after our liberation and felt it was essential to express our appreciation,” she said.
She explained that 17 veterans initiated the correspondence to President Xi, which prompted the historic reply.
“I’m pleased that the Chinese (officials) have expressed their desire to continue collaborating with veterans. They even informed the President that they would like to facilitate exchange visits. We truly appreciate this gesture,” she added.
Minister Mavhunga was accompanied by several high ranking veterans, including Zanu-PF Deputy Political Commissar Cde Webster Shamu, Deputy Secretary for Economic Affairs Cde Andy Mlanga, and Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association chairperson, Cde Cephas Ncube.
The correspondence reinforces the “all weather” nature of relations between Harare and Beijing — a bond that has evolved from revolutionary solidarity into a comprehensive strategic partnership.
