Online Reporter
Kuda Bwititi-Zimpapers Politics Hub
The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe and its citizens living in the country on Saturday celebrated the forthcoming start of the Chinese New Year, with the country’s chief diplomat to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Zhou Ding, saying China is advancing the flourishing relationship between the two countries.
Dubbed the Year of the Horse, this year’s Chinese New Year festivities will officially run from 15 to 23 February.
The vibrant celebration, held in Harare, was a testament to the deep-rooted all-weather friendship between China and Zimbabwe, marked by cultural exchange, artistic and musical performances.
In his address, Ambassador Zhou underscored the strategic importance of 2026, saying its designation as the “China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges” by China and the African Union encourages Harare and Beijing to consolidate relations.
“With the Year of the Horse just around the corner, I reaffirm China’s commitment to advancing our all-weather partnership.
“I look forward to working closely with our Zimbabwean friends and the Chinese community here to further strengthen the fraternal bonds between our two great nations. May the indomitable spirit of the Horse — symbolising energy, vigour, diligence and perseverance — guide us forward.”
Reflecting on the past year’s bilateral achievements, Ambassador Zhou said Zimbabwe and China are enjoying a dynamic and fruitful partnership.
“The year 2025 has been a year of remarkable achievements for China–Zimbabwe relations and for our all-weather community with a shared future,” he said.
“We have proudly witnessed the completion and commissioning of some landmark projects, supported by Chinese government financing or driven by China’s private sector investments. Our investment and trade relations have continued to deepen, injecting fresh momentum into Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development. The cultural and people-to-people exchanges have been remarkably vibrant and robust.”
The Ambassador drew powerful parallels between Chinese and Zimbabwean values, saying the Spring Festival is a universal celebration of unity and heritage.
“The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a time for family reunions, for expressing love and goodwill, and for planning for the future. Its core values resonate deeply with the spirit of Ubuntu, a philosophy cherished by our Zimbabwean friends.
“Both China and Zimbabwe hold our traditions and cultural heritage dear, which form the foundation of our societies and provide enduring wisdom, inspiration and strength on our paths to prosperity.”
In her remarks, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said:
“As we celebrate the Year of the Horse, let’s commit to rising forward with boundless energy. The horse inspires us to charge forward with determination. The collaboration between Chinese and Zimbabwean entities provides a powerful model of technology transfer, skills development and market access that can propel our local industries forward.”
Deputy Ministers Emily Jesaya (Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture), Tongai Mnangagwa (Tourism and Hospitality) and Dr Omphile Marupi (Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services) attended the event.
