Online Reporter
Kuda Bwititi
Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE enduring revolutionary ties between Zimbabwe and China came into sharp focus this week as a delegation of Zimbabwean liberation war veterans toured historic Chinese landmarks, reflecting on the pivotal role Beijing played in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and the enduring lessons of China’s revolutionary journey.
Spanning July 6 to July 10, the visit reaffirms the longstanding friendship between Zimbabwe and China.
The delegation visited the Museum of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Beijing, where they traced the Party’s century-long history through historical artefacts, archival footage and immersive exhibitions documenting China’s liberation, national rejuvenation and development since 1921.
In a symbolic demonstration of the shared revolutionary heritage between the two countries, the veterans sang the “Three Main Rules of Discipline and Eight Points for Attention” in Shona. Delegation member Cde Stephania Mukusha also performed the classic Chinese song I Love Beijing Tiananmen in fluent Mandarin, drawing admiration from museum staff and visitors.
In a statement, Chinese Ambassador Zhou Ding said:
“Led by Hon. Minister Monica Mavhunga, the Zimbabwean Liberation Struggle Veterans delegation is on an official visit to China. The trip carries profound historical significance, especially for the delegates who received military training in China back in the 1970s.”
Speaking during interviews with Chinese media, members of the delegation said China’s unwavering political and military support was instrumental in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
They said one of the major driving forces behind Zimbabwe’s hard-won independence was the assistance extended by China during the armed struggle.
The veterans added that China’s revolutionary ideology, people-centred governance philosophy and national development path continue to provide valuable inspiration for Zimbabwe as it pursues modernisation and economic transformation.
The delegation also toured the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that symbolises China’s long-held aspirations for peace, prosperity and abundant harvests.
The veterans said the ideals represented by the ancient site resonated deeply with them, having dedicated their lives to fighting for Zimbabwe’s independence and improving the welfare of its people.
The visit formed part of a broader programme aimed at deepening exchanges between Zimbabwean liberation war veterans and their Chinese counterparts while preserving the shared history that underpins relations between the two countries.
Zimbabwe and China enjoy longstanding ties dating back to the liberation struggle, when China provided military training, equipment and political support to Zimbabwean freedom fighters.
The visit to Beijing reaffirms that the friendship forged in the trenches of the liberation struggle remains firm decades after independence. **Ends**
