Zim a leading African star — China

Joseph Madzimure
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE is a leading African voice for equality, sovereignty, and international law and has consistently stood up against the bullying from some intrusive nations earning world respect, the Chinese ruling party, the Communist Party of China (CPC) said.

This comes as Zimbabwe has endured two decades of unjustified illegal economic sanctions that were imposed by the Western world as punishment for the land reform programme.

Under the visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa, the country is on the cusp of achieving Vision 2030 of attaining an upper-middle economy, something that is taking place notwithstanding the illegal sanctions.

During a virtual meeting held between Zanu PF and the CPC to solidify existing ties forged during the liberation struggle, Chinese Ambassador Guo Shaochun, who was representing the Chinese ruling party, said Zimbabwe will always be a beacon of hope for the developing nations.

“You are a leading African voice for equality, sovereignty, and international law; you never shy away from calling the big guys out for unfair practices. This is what makes Zimbabwe a respected member of the community of nations.

“In our quest for political independence and the complete unshackling of economic imperialism, we followed the same set of principles. That all nations are equal, the right to self-determination and sovereignty is inviolable, development is a right for all, and the people are the centre of our work.

“Today, it continues to be honoured in numerous development policies and programmes and the labour and sweat of all party members and people from all walks of life in this country,” Ambassador Shaochun said.

Zanu PF was represented by the party’s Secretary for External Affairs Cde Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, Secretary for Information and Publicity Cde Simon Khaya Moyo, Secretary for Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Dr Mike Bimha, and the principal of the Chitepo School of Ideology Cde Munyaradzi Machacha.

The CPC was represented by the Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Guo Shaochun and his deputy Cde Zhao Baogang.

The virtual seminar presented an opportunity for the two political parties to further strengthen the present and future cooperation by taking stock of historical and fraternal ties, which have been characterised by cooperation and a shared vision towards the prosperity of the two nations.

“When we look in the rear mirror of history, it is striking how deeply connected the CPC and Zanu PF have been despite being geographically far away from each other. In the theatre of war, when the situation changes, comrades regroup and re-strategise. Today’s discussion is exactly such an exercise.

“There are some who say our friendship is one of expediency. They say it is economic interests, or even coercion, that brings us together. They claim they are the champions of universal values.

“This is a monstrous lie. An attack in another form. We are attacked not because we are weak or insignificant, but because we are strong and influential. And the only way to fight back is to stay confident and determined, to remain loyal to our friends and our shared founding principles.”

Some colonialists still have the appetite to recolonise some sovereign states through the creation and funding of opposition parties to spearhead regime change agenda in a peaceful country.

“Let us not slacken our effort or vigilance. The struggle for complete independence is not over yet. Let us regroup and continue the good fight.”

Ambassador Shaochun said in less than a month, CPC China will commemorate its 100th anniversary.

“Today, we have gathered again online with our best friends and comrades from Zanu PF for a very important job — to learn from our shared history.

“The timing cannot be more perfect. Both of us have come to a critical stage of development. Zimbabwe now officially stands on the cusp of realising Vision 2030 under the guidance of NDS1, while China has begun its march toward the second centenary goal of fully building a modern socialist country.”

Speaking at the same occasion, Zanu PF Secretary for External Affairs Cde Mumbengegwi said the mutual friendship and historical ties have also led to closer ties between the two revolutionary parties and Governments.

He said the New Dispensation is focused on developing a cutting-edge, expansive, and transformative mutual beneficial relationship with China.

“We appreciate His Excellency President Xi Jinping’s generous support through various programmes and humanitarian assistance. We appreciate the elevation of the bilateral relations from all-weather friends to an all-encompassing comprehensive strategic partnership,” Cde Mumbengegwi said.

He reaffirmed Zanu PF’s commitment to its longstanding friendship with the CPC.

“Zanu PF shall never falter in its determination to pursue greater solidarity and cooperation with the CPC,” he said.