By Lynette Sibanda | Zimbabwe’s relationship with China can be traced back as far as 2003 after nation’s stand off with the European Union which resulted in the country facing great economic depression. The idea of bilateral cooperation between states can be traced back from the adoption of the Havana Charter which was a way to restore economic health to the world through cooperation in solving problems relating to international trade. The latter has paved way to a more recent blueprint adopted by the United Nations. The adoption of the Sustainable Development Goal which is aimed at achieving a more sustainable future for all countries by 2030. China and Zimbabwe have maintained cooperation by adopting goal (17) of the agenda 2030 which is aimed at strengthening global partnership for sustainable development.

In a bid to strengthen its economy Zimbabwe has over the years tried to maintain its relations with China hence the introduction of the Look East Policy inorder to strengthen its relations with countries in the East and in this case China. China has stood as an ally to Zimbabwe because of its principle of non interference in the internal affairs of the country. China has continued its support to Zimbabwe in the face of the economic sanctions imposed by the West and this has resulted in China being one of Zimbabwe’s largest trading partners. China is Zimbabwe’s fourth largest trading partner and its largest source of investment. The adoption of the look east policy has strengthened trade and bi-lateral investments between Zimbabwe and China. Zimbabwe is more of a dependent partner to China and this has seen China providing the largest market for its exports and support to its fragile economy. Zimbabwe is well endowed with mineral and natural resources and it is no doubt that China, with its rapidly growing economy has an appetite for these resources. Thus bilateral relationship between Zimbabwe and China is somewhat beneficial on both parties because Zimbabwe is largely dependent on China for economic investment whilst China wants to benefit from Zimbabwe’s vast mineral resources.

Although this bilateral relationship has faced a lot of criticism, the relationship between these two countries has been strengthened by they urge to promote cooperation between themselves. Their conduct in their diplomatic relations has without a doubt led to some form of mutual beneficial relationship. For example, the agricultural sector has over the years benefited from the Chinese aid through the issuing of loans inorder to buy mechanisms for the agricultural sector. With the crippling economic situation in Zimbabwe, the Chinese have been considered as an ally and this has over the years strengthened the relationship between the two countries. The Chinese have also benefited a lot from their bilateral relationship with Zimbabwe and this has somewhat had an impact on the Chinese economy which has been rapidly growing over the years.

With China being one of the leading foreign direct investors of Zimbabwe, the country has been appraised for its continued support to Zimbabwe in the face of the sanctions and the crippling economy.

The relationship between the two states is characterized by a sense of mutuality which has seen both countries being dependent from each other. Zimbabwe has benefited from Chinese loans, grants and investments whilst on the other hand China has benefited from the mineral resources in Zimbabwe. In other words both parties play a crucial role in facilitating the Agenda 2030 goals which is meant to facilitate development and economic growth through cooperation. In this case both countries have benefited from each other through the facilitation of trade and cooperation between them. In other words, China has been a partner if not the only ally whom Zimbabwe has trusted over the years especially with regards to economic development and sustainable growth. .

Lynette Sibanda is a Msc International Trade & Diplomacy at the University of Zimbabwe.