Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka-Zimpapers Politics Hub
FOR President Mnangagwa, China is far more than an “All-Weather Friend” to Zimbabwe, it is a nation woven into the very fabric of his personal history.
This profound connection dates back to the crucible of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, where a young guerrilla was taught the art of war in 1965, forging a bond that has endured for decades and shaped the man he is today.
Recently, President Mnangagwa returned to the heart of this memory, attending the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Tiananmen Square.
China showcased its latest military technology during its Victory Day (V-Day) parade displaying a wide range of advanced weaponry designed to strengthen its air, sea, and ground combat capabilities.
The parade, held at Tiananmen Square, not only commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression but also served as a strategic message of China’s growing military sophistication.
Amid the grand celebrations, a wave of emotion apparently washed over him. The echoes of his past lingered in the air, transforming the China Victory-Day parade into a living memory.
He stood there, the sole survivor of the very first group of ZANLA fighters trained in China, a nation that had not only taught him to fight but had, in his own words, “forged him.”
His memories carried him back to his first visit in 1964, when he led the inaugural group of five Zimbabwe African National union (ZANU) recruits. For six months, they were immersed in military science at the Nanjing Army Command College in Jiangsu.
“I trained in China in 1965, and we are the first group of freedom fighters who trained in China in 1965. So I was back again after over sixty years,” the President shared, his voice a testament to the passage of time.
This journey, he explained, was not merely a political alliance but a deeply personal one.
“Since that time, we have had a very close relationship with the People’s Republic of China, both on the political and economic levels. So, I am their military product,” he declared.
As the only surviving member of that pioneering group, his presence in Tiananmen Square was a powerful symbol of a shared history and a testament to China’s unwavering support for Zimbabwe’s freedom.
“I am saying this just to show that our relationship with the People’s Republic of China is quite historical; they supported our liberation struggle, and we were the first trained cadres from Southern Rhodesia at the time. China is on the list of those countries we regard as our close friends.”
The President’s statement underscores that the bond between Beijing and Harare is more than just diplomatic ties; it is a tapestry woven with shared struggles, ideological camaraderie, and a pragmatic evolution towards a robust economic partnership.
It’s a story that began in the crucible of liberation and has blossomed into a comprehensive strategic alliance, truly moving from “Comrades to Capitalists.”
The two countries share strong historical bonds that emanate from similar historical circumstances and affinities.
Both share a history of imperialism and colonisation, having once been colonised by Britain. During this period, China provided significant military and logistical support to Zimbabwean liberation forces, laying the groundwork for a lasting friendship.
This support included training guerrilla fighters and supplying arms, which were crucial during the liberation struggle against British colonial rule and white minority governance.
What began as a bond between “comrades” in the anti-colonial struggle has transformed into a complex economic partnership, often characterised by substantial Chinese investment in Zimbabwe’s mining, infrastructure, and agricultural sectors.
This shift, which reflects a move towards more capitalist-driven engagements, was highlighted when President Mnangagwa used his visit to China to also hold a series of high-level meetings with representatives of Chinese companies with investment interests in Zimbabwe and those keen to set up shop in the country.
The high-level meetings culminated in a landmark engagement with President Xi Jinping last week, which sought to strengthen Harare’s relations with Beijing with a focus on advancing economic diplomacy in line with Zimbabwe’s engagement and re-engagement foreign policy.
“They have developed, they have moved on but they give a lot of respect to Zimbabwe and they cherish the revolutionary relationship that we have maintained along the period of our comrade relationship and many of our people have trained in China, yes of course I know I was among the first group that went there, but after me several other comrades have been able to train in China, so I was very happy to be back again after over 60 years,” said the President.
Ultimately, President Mnangagwa’s presence at China’s Victory Day parade served as a powerful testament to the enduring bond between the two nations, a relationship built not on convenience but on shared history and mutual respect.
The story of this relationship, from the revolutionary training of a young guerrilla to the modern-day strategic economic partnership, showcases how Zimbabwe’s past continues to shape its present and future.
It highlights China’s role as a steadfast “All-Weather Friend” and underscores the deeply personal connection that drives the ongoing collaboration, ensuring that the legacy of their liberation-era alliance continues to underpin a vibrant, forward-looking partnership in the years to come.
