China and Zimbabwe have pledged to deepen their longstanding partnership, with senior officials highlighting growing cooperation in infrastructure, investment, trade, technology, education and people-to-people exchanges.
Speaking at the Chinese National Day Reception in Harare on Wednesday, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said the two countries had built a strong relationship based on shared history and mutual support.
The reception marked the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and was attended by senior government officials, diplomats and other guests.
“The relationship had continued to produce tangible benefits for Zimbabwe, pointing to projects including the upgraded Robert Mugabe International Airport, Victoria Falls International Airport, Hwange Power Station Units 7 and 8 and the Kariba South Hydropower Station,” Ambassador Zhou said.
He said China had also supported Zimbabwe through projects involving agriculture, technology, health and drought relief.
“Looking back on the past year, I would sum up our bilateral journey in three words: heritage, harvest, and heart,” Zhou said.
The ambassador stated that the two countries shared a historical bond dating back to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
“The China–Zimbabwe friendship is never transactional. It was forged through shared struggles and common values,” he said.
Zhou also highlighted growing people-to-people exchanges, saying more than 500 Zimbabwean officials and professionals had participated in over 80 capacity-building programmes in China during 2026.
He added that nearly 10,000 Zimbabweans had travelled to China during the first eight months of the year.
“China stands firmly with Zimbabwe in its pursuit of industrialisation and modernisation,” Zhou said.
Acting Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Frederick Shava said Zimbabwe valued its relationship with China and described the partnership as being based on sovereign equality, mutual respect and South-South solidarity.
“Today, 46 years after the establishment of diplomatic relations between Zimbabwe and China, our friendship has been tried, tested, and proven resilient,” Hon Shava said.
He said Zimbabwe would continue working with China in defending multilateralism and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
Hon Shava also highlighted Chinese investment in Zimbabwe, particularly the Dinson Iron and Steel Company project at Manhize, describing it as an important development in the country’s industrialisation drive.
“A testament to this is the flagship Dinson Iron and Steel Company in Manhize, one of Africa’s largest steel plants, which has positioned Zimbabwe for take-off as an industrial powerhouse on the continent,” he said.
The minister also welcomed China’s zero-tariff policy for African countries and said Zimbabwe looked forward to strengthening trade and investment ties with Beijing.
The two sides further highlighted cooperation in digital technology, education and scientific research, including the NetOne Broadband Phase III project and the High-Performance Computing Centre.
The event ended with a toast to the health of Presidents Xi Jinping and Emmerson Mnangagwa, as well as continued peace, prosperity and friendship between China and Zimbabwe.
