CHINESE ambassador to Zimbabwe, Guo Shaochun, says his
country respects the rights of African countries, including Zimbabwe and their
quest for development and vowed his country will never attach political strings
to assistance advanced to Africa.
Shaochun made the remarks in his address at this year’s
edition of the Dreamstar Talent Search national finals at the Harare
International Conference Centre on Saturday.
“The China-Africa relationship is deeply rooted in our
common quest for liberation, justice and independence. We have never attached
any political conditions for assistance to Africa. This is our basic
principle,” he said.
“We, as the Chinese Embassy, highly-appreciate the cordial
relations and co-operation that exist between China and Zimbabwe. This
relationship dates back to the days of the liberation struggle when China fully
supported the national independence of Zimbabwe. Since then, we have come a
long way.”
Shaochun said like many African countries, China has had
the bitter experience of having its economy controlled by foreign powers and
being subjected to unjust treatment, exploitation and oppression.
“Over the past 70 years, China has grown into the second
largest economy in the world, contributing over 30% annually to the global
economic growth. China is not growing alone as it is fostering good relations
and co-operation with African countries under the Forum on China-Africa
Co-operation and the Belt and Road Initiative for the mutual benefit of China
and African countries, including Zimbabwe,” he said.
He said China was now the largest trading country in goods
and largest holder of foreign exchange reserves in the world, with 740 million
people having been lifted out of poverty in China.
“In the coming 15 years, China plans to import 24 trillion
United States dollars in goods, open up a two-trillion-dollar market to foreign
investors and invest US$750 billion overseas, while Chinese tourists will make
more than two billion overseas visits,” he said. Newsday
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