Zim-China Ties Slam Dunked

By Abel Karowangoro

Basketball and diplomacy took centre stage in Harare on Saturday as China and Zimbabwe celebrated 45 years of diplomatic relations with a high-energy friendship match that blended sport, culture, and international solidarity.

The match, staged at a packed local arena, saw a joint team of players from the Chamber of Chinese Enterprises in Zimbabwe and the Chinese Embassy square off against Zimbabwe’s own Better Basketball Club.

Chinese Ambassador Zhou Ding and Deputy Minister Albert Tawanda Mavunga pose with athletes during the basketball friendship match celebrating 45 years of Zim-China diplomatic relations in Harare

The contest was fiercely competitive yet rich in camaraderie, with every dunk and three-pointer greeted by cheers from an enthusiastic crowd.

Diplomacy on the Court

The symbolic game drew high-level attention.

Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding and Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works Albert Tawanda Mavunga attended as guests of honour, later presenting awards to the participants.

In his remarks, Ambassador Zhou hailed the players’ spirited performances, calling the event “a vivid testament to the friendship between our peoples.”

He noted that the match was one in a series of commemorations of the 45th anniversary of China-Zimbabwe diplomatic ties, underscoring how people-to-people exchanges , especially through sport inject fresh momentum into bilateral relations.

“China stands ready to work with Zimbabwe to continuously advance sports and cultural exchanges,” Zhou said.

Zimbabwe’s Appreciation

Deputy Minister Mavunga echoed the sentiment, thanking China for its long-standing support in the development of Zimbabwean sport. He emphasized that sporting exchanges were a pathway to strengthening cooperation across broader fields ,from infrastructure to culture under the principle of mutual benefit.

“We want to see deeper practical cooperation in various sectors,” Mavunga said.

“Events like today’s basketball match highlight the power of sport to unite people while reflecting the win-win spirit of our relations with China.”

Beyond the Scoreline

While the scoreboard was secondary to symbolism, the intensity on court left no doubt about the competitive edge of both teams. Players hustled for rebounds, dove for loose balls, and played with passion but the real victory was the atmosphere of friendship and mutual respect that filled the arena.

For many spectators, the match was more than entertainment; it was a celebration of shared history and a glimpse into a future of closer ties.

Sports as Soft Power

The basketball clash marked how sport continues to serve as a bridge between China and Zimbabwe , not only strengthening cultural bonds but also reinforcing diplomatic milestones.

As the applause echoed long after the final buzzer, both nations reaffirmed that their partnership, like the game itself, is built on teamwork, resilience, and shared goals