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CHINESE President Xi Jinping has said unilateral sanctions are not a solution to disputes between countries, reaffirming the need for dialogue, respect for sovereignty and peaceful resolution of conflicts as Zimbabwe prepares to commemorate the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day on October 25.
In a statement, the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe said President Xi had outlined four principles to guide constructive participation by relevant parties in resolving conflicts on the African continent.
The principles emphasise African leadership, fairness and justice, cessation of hostilities and addressing both the immediate causes and underlying factors behind conflicts.
“War and unilateral sanctions are never real solutions to disputes between states,” said President Xi, according to the statement.
The Chinese leader outlined the principles during a recent meeting with President of the Council of Ministers of Togo Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, with the proposals providing guidance on addressing regional challenges, including the situation in the Horn of Africa.
The remarks come as Zimbabwe prepares to join other Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states in marking Anti-Sanctions Day on October 25, an occasion dedicated to calling for the removal of sanctions imposed on Harare.
Zimbabwe has consistently called for the unconditional removal of Western sanctions, arguing that the restrictive measures undermine economic recovery, constrain investment and affect the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
Sanctions have hindered development efforts despite ongoing initiatives to modernise infrastructure, expand production and attract investment in line with Vision 2030.
President Xi’s position also highlights the importance of respecting national sovereignty and allowing African countries to take the lead in addressing challenges on the continent.
“African people are the true masters of the continent and should therefore play a central role in regional affairs,” the Chinese Embassy added.
On equity and justice, President Xi called on parties to observe the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries concerned.
He also urged countries to engage in extensive consultations, seek common ground despite differences, and practise mutual understanding and accommodation.
The fourth principle stresses the need to address the root causes of conflicts, with immediate security concerns being tackled alongside long-term development planning.
“Addressing immediate security concerns should go hand in hand with long-term development planning,” the statement said.
The SADC Anti-Sanctions Day provides a platform for the region to renew its call for the lifting of sanctions on Zimbabwe and highlight their impact on the country’s economic development.
China has maintained its opposition to unilateral sanctions and called for international disputes to be resolved through dialogue and consultation.
