Tichaona Zindoga
The recent 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) proved once again that Zimbabwe occupies a strategic position in China-Africa relations, built on solid bilateral ties with deep historical roots.
And, perhaps, with a touch of the personal, too.
That is when you consider President Mnangagwa’s attachment to China, because that is where he received military training, in Nanjing, formerly Nanking.
He retraced his footsteps ahead of the summit, visiting the town and the eponymous military college that was all too happy to receive its former student.
But what will define China-Zimbabwe relations in the next few years going into the future, following the 2024 FOCAC Summit, which ran under the theme “Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future”?
Arguably the most important highlight of President Mnangagwa’s visit was his bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping.
The two leaders exchanged views on a number of issues and came up with commitments in five key areas or “pillars”, namely political, economic and trade, security, people-to-people and international affairs cooperation.
A joint statement released after the meeting said these pillars would help “advance modernisation of the two countries through joint efforts and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind”.
It described this as a “five-star ironclad” cooperation framework.
Political capital
The two sides have always banked on “political understanding and friendship” as the solid basis for everything.
The joint statement following the meeting of the two leaders clearly stated that “the two sides emphasised that a high-level of political mutual trust is a distinctive feature of the China-Zimbabwe relationship”.
Among key features, China expressed support for the ZANU PF Government led by President Mnangagwa in continuing to advance national development and rejuvenation.
It also highly commended the good momentum of economic growth and social stability that Zimbabwe has achieved in recent years.
The two countries have “consistently and firmly” supported each other on issues of core interests and major concerns. China reaffirmed its “firm support” for Zimbabwe’s efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty, security and development interests.
It called on the United States and other Western countries to remove all the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe as soon as possible.
On its part, Zimbabwe underscored that unconditional support for the “One China” principle remains a hallmark of its foreign policy.
It emphasised that it recognises there is but one China in the world.
Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory and the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.
Zimbabwe reiterated the position that it will support all efforts made by the Chinese government to realise national reunification.
Further, Zimbabwe opposes any action that undermines the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China and reaffirms its support for the East Asian country’s positions on issues related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Xizang.
Other key global political questions that Zimbabwe and China agree on include supporting the upholding of the international system and multilateralism under the United Nations and support for the Palestinian “people’s just cause”.
The political base, common ideology and brotherhood are as ubiquitous as they are deep, making the two countries natural allies — a situation that will likely endure for years to come.
Dynamism
The future is exciting and holds lots of opportunities.
China is behind the “once-in-a-century” changes that are happening in the world today, but there is dynamism that will see the two countries moving in lockstep in spite of new developments and changes.
China’s enunciation of various programmes under President Xi, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and, latterly, the Global Civilisation Initiative, has left the world on the cusp of the so-called new world order.
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The meeting between Presidents Xi and Mnangagwa confirmed that the two countries are working together and are partners in the changing global dynamics.
Zimbabwe “fully welcomed and firmly supported” all the initiatives and their commitments.
Pragmatism
A number of practical, era-changing plans and commitments were made by the two leaders, and these are important because they have implications and direct benefits for the ordinary people of Zimbabwe.
They include the export of avocados to China by local farmers as part of a range of quality local agricultural products permitted to enter the Chinese market.
China pledged to provide Government scholarships and training opportunities for Zimbabweans.
Other key programmes that China will embark on for the benefit of the people of Zimbabwe include supporting the enhancement of Zimbabwe’s public health system, continuing to dispatch medical teams to Zimbabwe, strengthening cooperation between the paired hospitals and undertaking the “Bright Journey Programme”, which offers free cataract treatment in Zimbabwe.
The two sides also discussed rolling out cooperation projects, such as the Rural Community Solar e-Facility programme, and the upgrading of irrigation facilities. On top of that, China pledged to assist in climate response, food security, disaster prevention and mitigation as part of efforts to combat emerging security threats.
From a broad policy perspective, Zimbabwe stands to benefit from three new initiatives on cooperation with Africa proposed by President Xi, namely the Initiative on Supporting Africa’s Industrialisation, the Plan for China Supporting Africa’s Agricultural Modernisation, and the Plan for China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development.
Zimbabwe is prepared to actively work with China to promote the implementation of these initiatives, according to the joint statement.
Still, more opportunities are contained in the Beijing Action Plan, which has holistic and expansive areas of cooperation that will be almost inexhaustible in the three-year window.
What’s next?
There is no question as to where Zimbabwe’s political allegiance and friendship lie, come rain or fair weather.
However, the most important question is whether Zimbabwe can fully harness its solid political friendship with China.
One cannot escape the reality that there are some African countries which enjoy a far less storied historical connection with China that have tended to reap bigger and better rewards in infrastructure and trade.
The challenge for Zimbabwe is to convert political capital into tangible benefits that will put the country at the top table when it comes to enjoying the fruits of China-Africa relations.
A lot of planning and craft competence are required to implement programmes and projects that will see the two countries cooperate pragmatically, with timely interventions that will result in Zimbabwe achieving results.
Nothing is to be taken for granted.
China always acts on the invitation and permission of the host country and will not force itself on its partners.
The challenge is on the Zimbabwean side to craft bankable projects, as well as having policies that enable China to commit to implementing pledges and frameworks.
This is true of any African nation.
The next few months and years will determine whether Zimbabwe will fully harness its potential and political capital with China or not.
For the sake of clarity and completeness, the task is not just for the Government alone; the private sector, non-State actors, the academia, think tanks, scholars and ordinary people also have a role to play.
A united front of Zimbabweans, fully aware of what is at stake, will likely achieve great things and move the country towards attaining modernisation following the example of China and capitalising on the East Asian country’s goodwill and friendship.
Tichaona Zindoga is the director of Ruzivo Media and Resource Centre, a Zimbabwean think tank that analyses local and global issues.
