Thirty-two students from Harare Polytechnic College are set to depart for China to study mechatronics engineering at Ningbo Polytechnic under the Applied Talent Joint Teaching Programme (ATJTP). 
The students will spend at least 18 months in China, gaining valuable experience in this multidisciplinary field that combines mechanical, electrical, and electronic engineering.
This group of students represents the third cohort from Harare Polytechnic to receive scholarships for the ATJTP mechatronics program since 2023. 
The programme has been instrumental in providing Zimbabwean students with access to high-quality, specialised training in this in-demand engineering discipline.
At a send-off ceremony held at Harare Polytechnic on Thursday, the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development, Frederick Shava, emphasized the significance of mechatronics engineering education. 
In a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Minister Simelisizwe Sibanda, Shava urged the students to focus not only on securing employment but also on fostering innovation and creating job opportunities. He said:
<blockquote>
You are not just students, you are ambassadors of Zimbabwe, entrusted with the responsibility of driving innovation, industrialization, and economic growth.
</blockquote>
The students will participate in a dual-certification programme, spending the first 12 months completing coursework at Harare Polytechnic before transferring to Ningbo Polytechnic in China to undergo an additional 18 to 24 months of specialised training. Added Shava:
<blockquote>
With the departure of this latest cohort, the total number of students benefiting from this program will reach 90, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s commitment to skills development, job creation, and economic transformation.
</blockquote>
Shava also assured the students of the Ministry’s unwavering support throughout their studies, pledging to provide the necessary resources, mentorship, and guidance to help ensure their academic success and a smooth experience in China.
More: <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/harare-polytechnic-students-depart-for-china/">Business Times</a>

Pindula News

32 students from Harare Polytechnic College are going to China to study mechatronics engineering. They will be there for 18 months to learn about mechanical, electrical, and electronic engineering. This is the third group of students to get scholarships for this program. The Minister of Education told the students to focus on innovation and creating jobs, not just getting a job. The students will study at Harare Polytechnic for a year first, then finish in China. The program has helped 90 students so far and is important for Zimbabwe's development. The Ministry will support the students during their studies and time in China.

32 Harare Polytechnic Students Receive ATJTP Scholarships To Study In China

China has reported the successful launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) carrying a dummy warhead into the Pacific Ocean.
The Chinese defence ministry said that the ICBM was launched at 08:44 local time on Wednesday and “fell into expected sea areas,” describing the test as “routine” and part of its “annual training.”
While the specific type of missile and its flight path remains unclear, Chinese state media indicated that Beijing had “informed the countries concerned in advance.”
An ICBM is a long-range missile designed to deliver nuclear or conventional warheads over distances typically greater than 5,500 kilometers.
ICBMs can be launched from silos, mobile platforms, or submarines, and follow a high-arcing trajectory that takes them into space before descending towards their target.
According to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gl843l90zo">BBC</a>, typically, China’s nuclear weapon tests occur domestically, with previous ICBM launches directed westward into the Taklamakan Desert in the Xinjiang region.
This launch is believed to mark the first time since 1980 that an ICBM has been fired into international waters.
Ankit Panda, a nuclear weapons specialist at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, commented on X:
<blockquote>
Unless I’m missing something, I think this is essentially the first time this has happened – and been announced as such – in a long time.
</blockquote>
He added that Beijing’s characterisation of the test as “routine” and “annual” was unusual, “considering that they don’t typically conduct such launches either routinely or annually.”
Japanese government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters on Wednesday that China had provided no prior notice of the ICBM launch.
Japan’s defence ministry had earlier said that there was no damage to its vessels as a result of the incident. It said:
<blockquote>
We will continue to collect and analyse information on the movements of the Chinese military and will take all possible precautions in our vigilance and monitoring.
</blockquote>
The last time China conducted such a test—in May 1980—the ICBM traveled 9,070 km before landing in the Pacific Ocean. That launch involved 18 Chinese naval ships and remains one of China’s largest naval operations to date.
Drew Thompson, a visiting research fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore, commented on X:
<blockquote>
Timing is everything. [China’s] statement claims the launch does not target any country, but there are high levels of tension between China and Japan, the Philippines, and of course perpetual tension with Taiwan.
The launch is a powerful signal intended to intimidate everyone.
</blockquote>
John Ridge, a U.S.-based defense analyst, suggested that China may have conducted the test as a form of “posturing or signaling to the United States.”
Although relations between Beijing and Washington have improved over the past year, China’s growing assertiveness in the region continues to be a contentious issue.
Tensions have escalated between China and the Philippines due to repeated collisions between their ships in disputed waters.
Japan recently scrambled fighter jets in response to a Chinese spy plane allegedly breaching its airspace, which it deemed “utterly unacceptable.”
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

China recently tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) by launching it into the Pacific Ocean. An ICBM is a long-range missile that can carry nuclear or non-nuclear warheads over long distances. This test is the first time China has fired an ICBM into international waters since 1980. The launch was unexpected and may be a signal to intimidate other countries. Tensions have increased between China and Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan. This test may be China's way of sending a message to the United States and showing its strength in the region.

China Conducts Its First ICBM Test In Decades

Approximately 200 workers employed at the Chinese-operated Jojo Mine near Kwekwe are reportedly living in deplorable conditions, with many residing in makeshift shacks and using the surrounding bushes as improvised toilet facilities, while their Chinese supervisors enjoy the comforts of a plush enclosure nearby.
The workers told <a href="https://masvingomirror.com/200-workers-at-chinese-mine-use-bush-toilets/">The Mirror</a> that they are not provided with any form of protective clothing by the mine management, and they also face a severe lack of clean water for domestic use.
Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube recently toured the mines, which are owned by Ming Chang Sino Africa Mining Investment.
Although he did not visit the living quarters of the workers, Ncube directed the mine management to address the issue of decent accommodation and living conditions for the employees. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>
It is unacceptable for workers to stay under deplorable conditions like this. There is overcrowding, no decent accommodation, no ablution and no medical facilities. Failure to provide safety clothing and ill-treatment of workers is unacceptable.
</blockquote>
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GT7InM8XsAAczZg?format=jpg&amp;name=medium"/>
An employee who declined to be named for fear of reprisal told The Mirror:
<blockquote>
These Chinese treat us like slaves. We live under inhumane conditions with no toilets, water and houses. We stay in plastic shacks when they stay in plush houses.
Our health is at risk, they don’t give us protective clothing but instead, they sell the safety shoes and work suits that we should use at work.
</blockquote>
In response, the administrative manager and assistant director for the company, Eric Yan Bo, said that the company was actively working to address the issues surrounding the deplorable living conditions of the workers. He said:
<blockquote>
We are very sorry about the accommodation. The issue is we are short of houses but the company is working towards evicting some illegal miners staying in the company houses.
</blockquote>
Yan Bo said Ming Chang Sino operates three mines in Kwekwe which are Bell, Jojo and Indarama with a total staff complement of 700 workers.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Approximately 200 workers at a Chinese mine in Zimbabwe are living in bad conditions without proper housing, toilets, or clean water. The workers are forced to sleep in shacks and use bushes as toilets, while their Chinese supervisors live in luxury. The government has been made aware of the situation but has not yet taken action. The workers are not given protective clothing and face health risks. The company says they are working on improving the housing situation. The workers feel mistreated and like slaves. The company operates three mines in the area, employing a total of 700 workers.

200 Workers At Chinese Mine Use Bush Toilets, Sleep In Shacks

Since January, Zimbabwean authorities have deported hundreds of Chinese nationals in response to their claims of employment with Chinese multinationals involved in multi-billion dollar projects within the country.
This week, Respect Gono, the chief director at the Department of Immigration, revealed that investigations have unveiled a pattern: Chinese migrants using mega projects to circumvent authorities and settle in Zimbabwe illegally.
Chinese nationals were reportedly disappearing almost immediately after receiving clearance from immigration.
In an interview with <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/theindependent/local-news/article/200024929/hundreds-of-chinese-migrants-expelled">The Independent</a>, Gono emphasized that the Department of Immigration has significantly intensified scrutiny at major entry points since the operation’s inception, resulting in the rejection of numerous foreign arrivals. She said:
<blockquote>
Our main mandate is to protect the security of Zimbabwe. We turn some of the illegal immigrants away right at the airport. Major projects like Hwange 7 and 8 and other big projects saw a huge influx of Chinese and other people to Zimbabwe purporting to be part of the projects.
Zimbabwe is “Open for Business”, as you know our mantra. But it does not mean we allow illegal migration. We promote safe and regular migration.
What we then do is check on our system if you are really here on a work basis. If you are not, we ask you to leave.
</blockquote>
Gono said that Malawian immigrants were not being deported but repatriated.  She also revealed that the illegal migrants were arriving in Zimbabwe claiming they were going to work on farms. Said Gono:
<blockquote>
We let their embassy identify them. After that, we hire buses to take them back. This is just sending them back through proper channels so that we do not ruin relations. We do not deport Malawians.
We repatriate them because they are part of the Southern African Development Community.
What happens is that sometimes they hide their passports after getting into Zimbabwe. We conduct a search and find to establish if they do have passports.
</blockquote>
Mwayiwawo Polepole, Malawian ambassador to Zimbabwe, said:
<blockquote>
Considering that cases of that nature were increasing and filling up space in prisons, the Government of Zimbabwe through the immigration department honoured the United Nations convention that the host country of those arrested should be sent back to their countries.
As neighbours and countries enjoying a long history of bilateral and diplomatic relations, two busses were dispatched to Malawi in January.
Again, in February, another bus-load was dispatched to Malawi. In some instances, when immigration informs the embassy of such cases, the embassy engages in a process of self-repatriation.
These processes are normal. The embassy is grateful to the Government of Zimbabwe for such a gesture.
</blockquote>
The Chinese embassy did not respond to The Independent’s questions.
This month Zimbabwe also deported four American nationals whom they said were in the country illegally.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Hundreds Of Chinese, Malawians Migrants Deported

Security guards employed at Richmark, a company contracted by Arcadia Lithium Mine in Goromonzi, accuse the company’s director of security, Wang, a Chinese national, of racism, intimidating and firing guards on spurious charges.
The workers also alleged that they are fed substandard food and that their ablution facilities are inhumane and degrading.
Last week, a photo of the toilets used by workers at the mine went viral on social media platforms.
The photo showed water flowing on the floor and a lack of privacy for workers when relieving themselves.
Some of the security guards who spoke to Pindula News on condition of anonymity raised several allegations against the company in general and Wang in particular.
They said, for instance, Wang routinely inspects night duty guards in the morning and those with bloodshot eyes will be accused of sleeping on guard duty.
Six guards were recently given warning letters before they were fired.
The security guards also accuse Wang of forcing them to buy cellphones. Wang allegedly travels to China to source phones at cheap prices and then forces guards to buy them at exorbitant prices.
Wang is also accused of forcing security guards to find livestock such as goats for him to slaughter for food.
This is said to be a condition to have their contracts renewed and those who refuse to do as demanded are dismissed. Said the source:
<blockquote>
Somewhere around August 2023, Wang and another Chinese guy named Yang ordered about 30 refurbished VIVO cellphones from China and then wrote a list of the names of security guards.
They then gave each one of us a cellphone and asked us to pay US$200, yet they paid only US$40 for each phone in China, and they were delivered via express cargo.
If you refuse to buy the phone, they threaten not to renew your three-month contract.
We are also forced to work during holidays and if we complain, we are threatened with dismissal.
We have a shortage of work suits, and we don’t have torches, yet we work in the bush at night. We work in a dusty environment but we have not been provided with personal protective equipment (PPE).
The toilets that we use are in poor condition and we are forced to eat substandard food.
</blockquote>
Wang is reported to be in China on vacation. Before his departure to the Far East on 23 February, he reportedly gave warning letters to several security guards for having bloodshot eyes.
Responding to questions sent via email by Pindula News, an official at Richmark admitted that they had indeed received some complaints from the workers about the poor quality of the food. Said the official:
<blockquote>
In terms of quality of food, a few complaints had been lodged by some employees a few weeks ago.
To address the issue, the management engaged the caterer and insisted they improve their standards.
The worker’s committee and SHE department were also assigned the duty of making regular checkups on the quality of food that is being supplied, and to report any substandard food to the HR department.
</blockquote>
The official said staff quarters have clean toilets with running water comprising 20 toilet seats, each with a partition and personnel that are employed as cleaners specifically for that area.
Another Richmark employee who spoke to this publication said the partitions in the toilet blocks were only installed a few days ago in response to the viral picture.
The company’s management said they were not aware that Wang was forcing employees to buy cellphones. It said:
<blockquote>
We are carrying out investigations but formally no complaint has been lodged with the management over this issue.
This is the first time that issue has come to the management’s attention.
</blockquote>
The official also disputed claims by employees that they do not have adequate PPE. He said:
<blockquote>
As per company policy, every employee is given a new worksuit/ safety shoes every 6 months.
If an employee’s PPE is damaged before the 6 months are due, they approach the SHE department with a replacement request.
An assessment is then carried out to ascertain whether the damage/ loss of PPE is through normal wear and tear due to the nature of the work or whether it is through negligence.
The outcome will result in the employee being either given a new set of PPE or made to pay a fee for replacing the damaged PPE.
There are records for PPE distribution that are kept in the SHE department and each employee is obligated to sign as an acknowledgement of receiving the PPE when their period is due.
</blockquote>
<div class="in_article">
<div>
Meanwhile, the workers said they walk on eggshells every time Wang is around and wonder “why he is always angry”.
They said their sincere hope is that he will be transferred to the Democratic Republic of Congo when he returns to Zimbabwe at the end of his 40-day vacation.
</div>
</div>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chinese Lithium Miner Accused Of Unfair Labour Practices

A Chinese mining company operating in Mashonaland Central Province has been fined US$700 for using Starlink, an internet service that is not licenced to operate in Zimbabwe.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA), the San He Mining company in Guruve was ordered to pay a US$700 fine by a Bindura Magistrate for contravening the Postal and Telecommunication Act. The NPA said:
<blockquote>
SAN HE Mining company in Guruve was sentenced to pay a fine of USD700 by a Bindura Magistrate for contravening the Postal and Telecommunication Act, ‘willfully possessing and or operating a radio station without a license or authorization from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ)’.
On the 5th of December 2023, the Police received a report from POTRAZ to the effect that the company was using Star-Link equipment.
The Police proceeded to the mine where they recovered the Starlink router and antenna.
</blockquote>
Last month, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) warned individuals and companies who are caught distributing and advertising Starlink Internet Services’ gadgets that they will be arrested.
Zimbabweans are increasingly eager to ditch local internet service providers for Starlink due to their poor service and high cost of data packages.
Developed by Elon Musk’s space exploration company SpaceX, Starlink is a satellite internet network that provides high-speed broadband internet services.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bindura Magistrate Fines Chinese Firm US$700 For Using Starlink Internet

China’s ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding, has pledged his country’s continued support to the country’s education sector.
Speaking at the China-Zimbabwe Friendship High School, during the Chinese New Year celebrations in Hatcliffe, Harare this week, Zhou said China and Zimbabwe’s relations date back to to the pre-colonial era. He said (<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200022554/china-pledges-to-support-zims-education">via NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
The relations between China and Zimbabwe can be traced back to ancient times. Porcelain and other precious artefacts unearthed from the Great Zimbabwe evidenced that, there were friendly exchanges between the two countries hundreds of years ago.
China firmly supports Zimbabwe’s educational sector. The Chinese government has so far donated to several schools and universities in the country including Chinhoyi University of Technology, Zimbabwe-China Friendship School in Bindura, Lupane Primary School, Warren Park D Primary School and China-Zimbabwe Friendship High School.
Education is vital to personal growth and social development. Under President Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind, the country has made huge progress in developing its educational sector.
</blockquote>
China has played a significant role in the development of public infrastructure in Zimbabwe in recent years.
The Asian economic giant played a part in the construction of the National Sports Stadium, Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Hwange Thermal Power Station Units 7 and 8, Parliament of Zimbabwe in Mt Hampden, and the National Pharmaceutical Warehouse.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

China Pledges Continued Support For Zimbabwe's Education Sector

Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to China, Martin Chedondo, has proposed an international friendly match between the Warriors and China.
Chedondo made the call while giving his keynote address at the Jadel Football Academy’s fifth awards ceremony in Beijing on Saturday where he was the guest of honour.
Jadel Football Academy is owned by former Motor Action utility player Walter “Ringers” Musanhu.
Chedondo said Zimbabwe and China should organise football exchanges at various levels to further strengthen the bilateral relationship that exists between the two countries. <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/envoy-proposes-warriors-china-friendly/">The Herald</a> quoted Chedondo as saying:
<blockquote>
Since its inception in 2019, we have all bore witness to the growth and development of JFA in China and beyond.
As an embassy, we are proud that JFA represents a modest investment by a Zimbabwean national (Walter Musanhu) in China.
The many testimonies made here tonight dearly demonstrate that JFA is contributing significantly to the further strengthening of cultural exchanges between Zimbabwe and China.
It is my sincere hope that whilst JFA has paved the way with its junior football activities, there is scope for Zimbabwe and China to organise football exchanges at various levels such as playing friendly matches between our two senior national teams.
Such initiatives will augment the excellent bilateral relationship between our two countries.
Let me take this opportunity to congratulate all the JFA players for their hard work in the past football season.
They are the driving force behind JFA’s achievements. I concur that all the players are winners.
I also wish to pay tribute to JFA technical staff and management for their commitment and dedication to this project.
I also wish to thank all the parents for not only supporting their kids but for trusting JFA with their children.
</blockquote>
Musanhu is the young brother of former Dynamos defender, Chamu Musanhu, who is now based in Liverpool, England.
Sport plays a significant role in enhancing relations between countries through sports diplomacy, positive messages and shared values, as well as people-to-people connections.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe's Ambassador Proposes Warriors, China Friendly

China has donated over 1,000 books along with computers and printers to Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF party. The donation ceremony took place at the ZANU-PF headquarters in Harare, where Zhou Ding, the Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe, handed over the items to Munyaradzi Machacha, the principal of the Chitepo School of Ideology, ZANU-PF’s ideology school.
The donation includes a wide range of books covering various subjects, such as Chinese history, financial reforms, and foreign affairs according to <a href="https://english.news.cn/20231216/10fc52b1da79468ba7f7bdd24ae4d49d/c.html">Xinhua</a>. These resources will be utilized in the library of the recently completed ideology school in Harare. Machacha told Xinhua after the handover ceremony:
<blockquote>
We will be opening our school soon, and these will grace our library, where students can come and borrow and read.
It will allow our students to read widely and to have a broader global view of events that will be taking place around them.
</blockquote>
Zhou Ding, the Chinese ambassador, expressed his hope that the donation would benefit ZANU-PF and strengthen the bonds between the two parties. He said:
<blockquote>
Our relations include not only economic cooperation but also party-to-party exchanges. The Communist Party of China (CPC) and ZANU-PF have a long history of cooperation.
</blockquote>
Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, ZANU-PF’s secretary for external relations, acknowledged China’s crucial role in Zimbabwe’s development, dating back to the pre-independence era. He said:
<blockquote>
Our relations include not only economic cooperation but also party-to-party exchanges. The Communist Party of China (CPC) and ZANU-PF have a long history of cooperation.
</blockquote>
He added that Zimbabwe aims to learn from China’s successes and replicate them within its own context.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

China Has Donated Over 1,000 Books, Computers, Printers To ZANU-PF

China has delivered an assortment of military equipment to Zimbabwe, including armoured fighting vehicles and machine guns.
The donation is worth US$28 million according to a report by <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/zimbabwe-receives-us28-million-worth-military-gift-from-china/">ZimLive</a>.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa received the equipment from the Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding at Inkomo Barracks in Harare on Wednesday.
Chinese military officers are in Zimbabwe to conduct training on the handling of the equipment.
President Mnangagwa said the military hardware “will assist in ensuring that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces remains an efficient and capable force.” He added:
<blockquote>
This delivery of military gratis equipment will go a long way towards consolidating our ongoing quest to modernise the ZDF.
May I once again recognise China as a consistent friend of Zimbabwe. Over the last 23 years, the socioeconomic growth, development and prosperity of our country have been weighed down by the albatross of the Western-imposed illegal sanctions.
Throughout this period, China has been a true and reliable ally. We are forever thankful.
</blockquote>
The equipment includes armoured fighting vehicles, personnel carriers, ambulances, motorised water purifiers, patrol boats, minibuses, sniper rifles, machine guns and hand pistols.
Reacting to the donation, self-exiled former foreign minister Walter Mzembi wrote on X:
<blockquote>
A friend who arms you with spears and knobkerries when your house is in conflict is very bad.
Any loss of life or injury to your children and family he will be held responsible.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

China Donates US$28 Million Worth Of Military Hardware To Zimbabwe

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has received military hardware donated by China. According to the Presidential Communications Department, the donation was presented to the President at Inkomo Mechanized Brigade by the Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe. It said:
<blockquote>
H.E. President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa receives military hardware from the People’s Republic of China. The equipment includes armoured fighting vehicles, personnel carriers, ambulances, motorised water purifiers, patrol boats, minibuses, sniper rifles, machine guns and hand pistols.
The donation was presented to the President at Inkomo Mechanized Brigadeby the Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, who spoke highly of the historical ties between the two countries. The President thanked the Chinese Government saying China has been a reliable and consistent friend.
</blockquote>
See the pictures below:
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GBPAZ3NWsAAAbzN?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GBPAZ3LXAAABWso?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GBPAZ3IXoAA7RUc?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GBPAZ3KXoAAJJm8?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GBPAAf3W0AAnGTq?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GBPAAfsWQAAGMeD?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GBPACsPXQAAZRfV?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GBPACsPXQAE5GuO?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GBPACsMWwAAIbA0?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

PICTURES: Zimbabwe Receives Military Hardware From China

Chinese companies were awarded licenses in the third quarter that could lead to US$2.79 billion of investment in Zimbabwe, reported <a href="https://chinaeconomicreview.com/china-to-invest-2-8bn-in-zimbabwean-lithium-energy/">China Economic Review</a> citing a Bloomberg report.
The bigger chunk of the investment is in the mining and energy sectors as the southern African country pushes to develop some of Africa’s biggest lithium deposits and to end power cuts.
The planned investment is a tenfold increase on the US$271 million pledged in the same period last year.
According to a report by the Zimbabwe Development Agency, the state-owned unit responsible for securing investment, released on Wednesday, Chinese applications “were the most by number and investment value with mining being their most preferred sector followed by the manufacturing sector.
China accounted for more than two-thirds of the 180 applications.
Chinese companies have been buying lithium mines, which supply a key component for the batteries used in electric vehicles.
According to <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/zimbabwe-lithium-export-earnings-treble-as-projects-take-off/">ZimLive</a>, Chinese firms, including Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt (603799.SS), Sinomine Resource Group (002738.SZ), Chengxin Lithium Group (002240.SZ), Yahua Group (002497.SZ) and Canmax Technologies (300390.SZ).
Chinese firm Sinohydro Corporation undertook the expansion of Hwange Thermal Power Station’s units 7 and 8  which added two generators with a combined capacity of 600 megawatts.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chinese Firms To Invest US$2.8 Billion In Lithium And Energy In Zimbabwe

China has congratulated President Emmerson Mnangagwa on his re-election but said it has “noticed reports on some disputing the election result.”
In a statement released on Monday, 28 August on the 2023 Zimbabwe Harmonised Elections, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin reiterated that China does not interfere in other countries internal affairs.
Below is the full statement:
<blockquote>
As a friend to Zimbabwe, China has been closely following the general elections in the country.
At Zimbabwe’s invitation, China sent an observer mission there. The mission believes that the elections were held in a peaceful and orderly fashion with active participation by the people.
We have noted the result released by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and extend congratulations to President Mnangagwa.
We stand ready to work with the new government to bring our two countries’ comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to new heights.
We have noticed reports on some disputing the election result. It is our hope that parties in Zimbabwe will put people’s interests first and resolve differences properly through legal means.
China adheres to the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs.
We respect the Zimbabwe people’s choice, wish the country continued stability after the election and greater progress in pursuing national development and prosperity.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

China Congratulates Mnangagwa On Re-election

During the XV BRICS Summit held in Johannesburg, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the BRICS bloc, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has made the decision to extend invitations to six countries to join the bloc as new members. These countries are Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This expansion of the BRICS organization is part of its strategic plan for growth.
At the summit, the BRICS leaders adopted the Johannesburg II Declaration, which outlines their shared vision and commitments. Effective January 2024, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have been formally admitted as members of the BRICS bloc.
The topic of expanding the BRICS bloc has been a prominent issue on the summit’s agenda, with discussions held over the course of the three-day event in Johannesburg. While all BRICS members have expressed public support for the expansion, differences among the leaders have arisen regarding the extent and pace of the enlargement process.
In June of this year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced that Zimbabwe had submitted a request to join the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) and anticipated receiving support from Russia. The President made this statement during a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, Russia, as part of his attendance at the second Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum. The NDB, established in 2015 by the BRICS countries serves as a multilateral financial institution aimed at financing infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS nations, as well as other emerging market economies and developing countries.
This is happening when Zimbabwe’s access to credit has significantly reduced in the past twenty years, leaving the country with limited financial flexibility. International financial institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank, which are part of the Breton Woods institutions, halted lending to Zimbabwe in the early 2000s due to its substantial debt. Despite Zimbabwe’s repayment to the IMF, the institution declined to provide further financial assistance, stating that the country still had outstanding debts with other financial institutions. As a result, Zimbabwe’s options for obtaining credit have been severely constrained, putting significant pressure on its fiscal capabilities.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

BRICS Add 6 More Countries To The Bloc

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe Frederick Shava is set to visit China from 27 May to 02 June.
<a href="https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-05-26/Zimbabwean-FM-Frederick-Shava-to-visit-China-from-May-27-to-June-2-1k7tQGBLsac/index.html">CGTN</a> on Friday reported Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning as saying Shava’s visit is at the invitation of Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang.
Shava is a former Zimbabwean ambassador to China and former Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Frederick Shava To Visit China From 27 May To 2 June

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is set to hold naval exercises off its east coast with Russian and Chinese warships next month.
According to the statement released on Thursday last week, the event known as Exercise MOSI will take place in Durban and Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, from 17 to 27 February 2023. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
This will be the second time such an exercise is taking place involving the three naval forces with the first one held in November 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa.
Exercise coordinators have concluded all necessary coordination and preparation arrangements for this exercise during virtual planning conferences held at the beginning of December 2022.
</blockquote>
This year’s Exercise MOSI is expected to see 350 SANDF personnel from various arms of services and divisions participating alongside their Russian and Chinese counterparts with the aim of sharing operational skills and knowledge.
South Africa has faced criticism over its plans to host the People’s Liberation Army Navy from China and the Russian Federal Navy.
In response to the criticism, South Africa’s ministry of defence and military veterans on Monday said the naval exercise is an opportunity to strengthen existing relations that exist between SA, Russia and China. Ministerial spokesperson Cornelius Monama said:
<blockquote>
We wish to state categorically that SA, like any independent and sovereign state, has a right to conduct its foreign relations in line with its own diplomatic relations and national interests.
SA sees Exercise Mosi II as an opportunity to contribute towards further strengthening the strong bonds that exist between South Africa, Russia and China.
Contrary to the assertions by our critics, SA is not abandoning its neutral position on the Russian-Ukraine conflict.
We remain firm in our view that multilateralism and dialogue are keys to unlocking sustainable international peace.
We continue to urge both parties to engage in dialogue as a solution to the current conflict.
… In recent months, we have had engagements with counterparts in the UK, the People’s Republic of China, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana, to mention but a few.
There was no hype about any of these countries, especially with regard to the US wherein we held an even longer exercise, known as Exercise Shared Accord in KwaZulu-Natal last year regarding our military health capabilities.
</blockquote>
Defence and military veterans minister Thandi Modise said Exercise Mosi II will benefit all three participating nations. She said:
<blockquote>
The envisaged exercise will benefit all countries involved through interoperability of the naval systems, joint disaster systems management enhancement, maritime cooperation and anti-piracy exercises.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2023-01-23-ministry-defends-naval-exercise-to-strengthen-bonds-with-russia-and-china/?utm_medium=Social&amp;utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1674467076">SowetanLive</a>, <a href="https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/sandf-host-china-and-russia-multilateral-maritime-exercises">SA News</a>

South Africa To Conduct Naval Exercises With Russia And China

China’s population has decreased for the first time in more than 60 years, official data released on 17 January shows.
The mainland Chinese population stood at approximately 1,411,750,000 (over 1.4 billion) at the end of 2022, Beijing’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported on Tuesday, a decrease of 850,000 from the end of 2021.
The NBS said the number of births was 9.56 million, while the number of deaths stood at 10.41 million.
Men also continued to outnumber women in China by 722.06 million to 689.69 million.
The new figures mark the first fall in China’s population since 1961 when the country battled the worst famine in its modern history.
The famine was caused by China’s first communist leader, Mao Zedong’s disastrous agricultural policy known as the Great Leap Forward.
Analysts have predicted a long period of population decline for the world’s most populous nation which will most likely negatively impact economic growth and pile pressure on the country’s strained public finances.
The head of the NBS, Kang Yi, said people should not worry about China’s population decline as the country’s overall labour supply still exceeds demand.
In 2016, China ended its strict “one-child policy” and in 2021 allowed couples to have three children, but the policy change has not reversed the demographic decline.
United Nations experts believe China’s population could reduce by 109 million by the year 2050.
China has long been the world’s most populous nation but is expected to soon be overtaken by India if it has not already. India’s population is also more than 1.4 billion. | <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/1/17/china-population-shrinks-for-first-time-in-over-60-years-data">Al Jazeera</a>

China’s Population Declines For First Time In Over 60 Years

China stopped publishing daily figures for COVID-19 cases and deaths on Sunday 25 December 2022, ending a practice that began in early 2020.
The move came as Chinese cities are struggling with surging coronavirus cases after Beijing lifted its zero-COVID regime measures this month.
The sharp rise in new coronavirus infections has resulted in a stampede for medication and overflows at hospitals and crematoriums.
Last week China admitted the scale of the outbreak has become “impossible” to track following the end of mandatory mass testing, <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/12/25/china-to-stop-publishing-daily-covid-figures-of-cases-deaths">reported Al Jazeera</a>.
Announcing the decision to halt the publication of daily figures for COVID-19 cases and deaths on Sunday, the NHC said:
<blockquote>
From today, we will no longer publish daily information on the epidemic.
The Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] will publish information about the outbreak for reference and research purposes.
</blockquote>
However, the NHC did not offer an explanation for its decision to stop releasing daily COVID data.
It also did not specify the type or frequency of information to be published.
China has in the past been accused of suppressing the number of fatalities attributable to the coronavirus.

China Stops Publishing Daily COVID-19 Figures

Some Chinese hospitals are reportedly full as the Asian giant is battling a wave of infections that has hit the elderly.
China officially reported only a handful of deaths from the coronavirus after the government redefined the criteria by which COVID deaths are counted, according to AFP.
The publication visited some facilities on Friday AFP and witnessed several elderly and middle-aged patients sitting on sofas and lying on beds receiving IV drips, some coughing. A nurse said they all had COVID.
On Thursday evening, AFP visited a crematorium and witnessed 40 bodies being unloaded in two hours. The relatives of several of the deceased said the deaths were due to COVID.
One woman said her elderly relative, who was suffering from cold symptoms, had tested negative but died after they could not get an ambulance in time.
Under China’s new definition of COVID deaths, only those who die of respiratory failure, and not pre-existing conditions exacerbated by the virus, are counted.
That means many of the dead in Chongqing and across the country are no longer even being registered as coronavirus victims.
In response to the COVID-19 resurgence, China imposed a new wave of lockdowns and restrictions on freedom of movement in big cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, and Guangzhou.
<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/anti-zero-covid-protests-erupt-in-china/">Last month, anti-zero COVID protests</a> erupted in Urumqi, China following the deaths of 10 people in an apartment block fire.
This was after footage posted on social media showed fire trucks spraying water from too far away to reach the apartment building, with internet users claiming authorities could not get closer due to pandemic barricades and cars that had been abandoned by people who had been quarantined.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Hospitals Full As China Battles With New COVID Wave

China has recalled six diplomats from the United Kingdom who police wanted to question over the alleged assault of a man while protesting outside the Chinese consulate in Manchester in October.
British foreign minister James Cleverly welcomed the removal of the officials, including the Consul General in Manchester.
Cleverly had raised British concern over the incident with Chinese diplomats.
British police had been investigating allegations that a protestor was beaten by several men after being dragged inside the grounds of the consulate in Manchester during a demonstration against Chinese President Xi Jinping.
On Wednesday Cleverly told reporters that the UK police had requested six Chinese officials waive diplomatic immunity so they could be questioned and the embassy had been informed. He said:
<blockquote>
We set a deadline that expired today, making it clear that we expected them to take action.
In response to our request, the Chinese government has now removed from the UK those officials, including the Consul General himself.
This demonstrates that our adherence to the rule of law, the seriousness with which we take (this) instance, has had an effect… it is right that the Chinese government has now removed these officials from the UK.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20221214-china-recalls-six-diplomats-from-uk-after-manchester-consulate-violence">France24</a>

China Recalls Six Diplomats From UK After Consulate Violence

Protests against China’s restrictive COVID-19 policies have reportedly spread to more cities.
The wave of protests was triggered by a deadly fire in the western Xinjiang region that has been connected to the country’s strict lockdown policies.
According to AFP news agency, hundreds of students from Beijing’s Tsinghua University rallied at their campus on Sunday calling for an end to lockdowns.
Similar protests occurred overnight in Shanghai, China’s most populous city and financial hub, as well as at a university in the eastern city of Nanjing.
Internet users say the 10 people who died in a fire in an apartment building in Xinjiang’s capital city, Urumqi wouldn’t have lost their lives if there was no lockdown.
They say residents of the high-rise building could not escape in time because the building was partially locked down. But the city officials have dismissed the claim.
One protestor in Shanghai who gave only his family name, Zhao, told AP that one of his friends was beaten by police and two friends were pepper-sprayed.
He also claimed that police stomped his feet as he tried to stop them from taking his friend away.
Zhao said he lost his shoes in the process and left the protest barefoot.
He also said the protesters yelled slogans, including “Xi Jinping, step down; Communist Party, step down”, “Unlock Xinjiang, unlock China”, “do not want PCR [tests], want freedom” and “press freedom”. | <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/27/protests-in-shanghai-as-anger-over-zero-covid-spreads-in-china">Al Jazeera</a>

Chinese Citizens Protest Against "Zero-COVID" Policy

Ethiopian Airlines is set to launch its new service to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe on 30th October using a Boeing 737-800. 
Ethiopian’s flight will stop in Victoria Falls before carrying on to Bulawayo and then direct to Addis Ababa.
Airport authorities are excited to see new foreign airlines landing at Bulawayo Airport (BUQ) after an upgrade in its flying facilities recently, according to Bulawayo24. 
Flights will leave Addis Ababa (ADD) at 08:30 AM bound for their usual service to Victoria Falls (VFA), landing at 12:10 PM local time. After an hour on the ground, the flight continues to Bulawayo, touching down at 13:55 local time. 
The flight will operate 4x weekly, on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The return service leaves BUQ at 14:55 and lands at Ethiopian’s hub in ADD at 20:45 local time, 4 hours and 50 minutes later.
The flight will use one of Ethiopian’s Boeing 737-800s, a workhorse in the continental fleet. 
From December 1st onward, the 737-800 will take over the route for the future.
Bulawayo is already served by a few international airlines, but none as big as Ethiopian Airlines. 
The African giant’s entry means that passengers flying in and out of Bulawayo now have the opportunity to make a one-stop connection (or two on the way in) to the US, Europe, Asia, and the rest of the continent with relative ease.
Airline executives in the country also said cargo can come directly from Dar es Salaam, Dubai, China or Turkey among others direct into Bulawayo instead of transporting their cargo to Harare and then move their goods by road to Bulawayo. 
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Ethiopian Airlines Set To Introduce Flights To Bulawayo End Of October

China has refuted claims it opened and operates police stations in Nigeria and other countries where its nationals work and reside.
This follows a recent report by a rights organization, Safeguard Defenders, titled “110 Overseas Chinese Transnational Policing Gone Wild” which claimed that the Chinese government established a police station in Nigeria.
However, in an exclusive interview with the Nigerian publication, <a href="https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/10/china-opens-police-station-in-nigeria/">Vanguard</a> on Wednesday, a top Chinese official who spoke on condition of anonymity dispelled the report.
The official said diplomatic relations cannot allow any government to open police posts in another sovereign country outside its borders. Said the official:
<blockquote>
There is no such station in Nigeria or everywhere. This is because no sovereign country may allow other countries to establish their own (police) stations on their territory. Isn’t this common sense?
</blockquote>
The Chinese official, however, revealed that there are outreach programs in countries where Chinese residents live to assist and protect them from terrorism, abduction, and other crimes that could risk their lives. He said:
<blockquote>
Also, there is only one category of outreach services for Chinese communities, therefore China has no intention or spare energy to run police stations outside its borders.
You know in Nigeria, there are a lot of insecurity issues happening almost every day. I cannot remember, maybe September or August or July or June, there were terrorists, bandits, they had kidnapped a lot of innocent persons, and also among these innocent persons, there were some Chinese nationals.
</blockquote>
Another Chinese official said what they can only do is help assist Chinese nationals without violating Nigerian sovereignty. He said:
<blockquote>
What I mean (by the outreach services) is that every nation has its mission to care for and help its own nationals.
So they have no right, they have no power to decide or command the Nigerian government or police forces, what they can only do is assist or play the outside role to help the Chinese nationals.
So the fundamental reason or factor is the locals and the Nigerian government, so we fully respect the sovereignty issue.
So there is no sovereignty issue, so the report ( Safeguard Defenders’ ‘110 Overseas Chinese Transnational Policing Gone Wild’) is fake news.
</blockquote>

China Rejects Report Of Running Police Station In Nigeria

China’s military says it remains on high alert as two United States warships sailed through the Taiwan Straits.
In a statement on Sunday, the Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army spokesperson, Senior Colonel Shi Yi, said they are ready to thwart any provocations.
The US cruisers Chancellorsville and Antietam sailed through the Taiwan Straits on Sunday.
Shi said the theatre command has tracked and monitored the entire passage of the ships and has everything under control.
The transit was the first such operation of the US Navy since China’s military conducted drills around the island of Taiwan.
The military drills were conducted in response to a visit to Taiwan by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi earlier this month despite strong opposition from Beijing.
The Taiwan Strait is a 180-kilometre-wide strait separating the island of Taiwan and continental Asia.
The strait is part of the South China Sea and connects to the East China Sea to the north.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued on Sunday, the US 7th Fleet in Japan said the guided-missile cruisers USS Antietam and USS Chancellorsville were on Sunday making the voyage “through waters where high seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law.”
It said the transit was “ongoing” and that there had been “no interference from foreign military forces so far.” It said:
<blockquote>
These ships (are transiting) through a corridor in the strait that is beyond the territorial sea of any coastal state.
The ships’ transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the United States’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The United States military flies, sails, and operates anywhere international law allows.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202208/28/WS630b2552a310fd2b29e749de.html">China Daily</a>; <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2022/08/27/asia/us-navy-destroyer-taiwan-strait-transit-intl-hnk-ml/index.html">CNN</a>

China Warns US Over Warships Sailing Through Taiwan Straits

The Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ) has criticised the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe for threatening to take unspecified “strong countermeasures” against a local weekly publication, The Standard.
MAZ described the threat as an attack on press freedom adding that Zimbabwe’s constitution protects the practice of journalism and related freedoms. MAZ said in a statement:
<blockquote>
While it is not peculiar that any individual, organisation or even state can have issues with aspects in part or whole of a news story, it is unacceptable to charge the media with unspecified actions.
… MAZ is, thus, taken aback by the intention of a foreign state, in the mould of a global power to counter a national media outlet with unspecified measures.
It is more so worrying that the threats are issued without exhausting legal remedies provided by the host nation.
Outside this diplomatic imperative, there are democratic ways in which any grievances against the media can be tabled.
</blockquote>
MAZ advised the Chinese Embassy to take professional routes to air its grievances rather than resorting to threatening the media.
The Chinese Embassy issued a statement last week, warning The Standard, following the publication of a series of reports exposing unlawful activities by Chinese mining companies operating in Zimbabwe.
More: <a href="https://thestandard.newsday.co.zw/2022/07/17/chinese-threats-on-the-standard-condemned/">The Standard</a>

MAZ Condemns Chinese Embassy Threats Against Local Newspaper

Zambia has extradited a Chinese filmmaker, Lu Ke, to Malawi where he is facing racism and child exploitation allegations.
According to a <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-61862619">BBC News report</a>, Lu Ke was a Malawi resident when he used local children to film personalised greetings videos, some of which included racist content.
These videos can be bought for up to US$70 (£55) on Chinese social media and internet platforms. However, Lu Ke denied making derogatory videos.
On Sunday, 17 July 2022, Malawi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement saying Lu Ke was extradited to the country from Zambia. Read the full statement below:
<blockquote>
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform members of the public that, with cooperation from the Government of the Republic of Zambia, the fugitive Mr Lu Ke, who fled Malawi to Zambia in June 2022, has been successfully extradited to Malawi on Saturday, 16th July 2022.
Members of the public will recall that Mr Lu Ke fled Malawi after the publication of a BBC report on the dehumanising videos that he produced by tricking Malawian children in Lilongwe and Mchinji districts for profit.
Through cooperating with both the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Zambia, the Malawi Government established that Mr Lu Ke had fled to Zambia using unchartered routes.
The Zambian Government apprehended him for irregular entry and fined him accordingly.
Following this development, the Malawi Government through cooperation among Ministries of Homeland Security, Justice, and Foreign Affairs, reached out to the Zambian Government to request the extradition of Mr Lu Ke.
After procedures for considering the extradition request were completed, the Government of Zambia handed over Mr Lu Ke at the Mchinji border, on 16th July 2022.
Mr Lu Ke is expected to appear in court where he will be charged for contravening various laws of Malawi which the Director of Public Prosecutions will outline soon.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to thank the Government of the Republic of Zambia for the assistance it has rendered in this matter.
This cooperation underlines the cordial and brotherly relations the two countries enjoy.
The Ministry also wishes to thank the Government of the People’s Republic of China for the cooperation it provided including in information sharing.
Finally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to urge members of the public to be vigilant and ensure that the rights of children are not abused in any way, shape or form.
</blockquote>

'Racism For Sale': Zambia Extradites Chinese Fugitive To Malawi

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said China-funded projects being implemented in Zimbabwe were proof of solid relations between the African and Asian states.
He made the remarks on Sunday at State House in Harare after meeting China’s senior diplomat and Politburo member of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Mr Yang Jiechi, who was in the country for a high-level visit aimed at strengthening ties.
Mr Yang, who once served as Foreign Minister, was accompanied by a high-powered delegation that included some vice ministers. He held an hour-long meeting with President Mnangagwa.
Briefing journalists soon after the meeting, the President said the top diplomat’s visit was meant to deepen cooperation between the two countries.
<blockquote>
I am sure you are aware that the current major projects in the country, Kariba South Hydro Power Station expansion, it was financed by the Chinese, Victoria Falls International Airport refurbishment; it is a major project and the airport can now receive any aircraft on this planet, it was financed by the Chinese, Hwange Units 7 and 8 expansion, for a billion (United States) dollars again financed by the Chinese, RG International Airport upgrade, it’s quite an important project. 
The magnificent, I do not know if you have been there, if you haven’t then you are not a good Zimbabwean, the most magnificent Parliament on the continent, just been completed now, again financed by the Chinese. Currently, the Manhize project by Tshingshan Group of Companies is constructing over a billion (US) dollar steel plant which will be the biggest plant on the continent of Africa.
I can go on and on, this speaks volumes of the solid relations between Zimbabwe and China. Some of you who have good memories, who can sleep and remember things that happened yesterday, in 2008 when the Western countries, the Americans and British and their allies wanted to invoke the United Nations Charter which (would have) allow(ed) them to invade Zimbabwe, the Chinese exercised their veto. 
This is why we are still here and remain independent, so these are solid friends of Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
He said at a personal level, he was trained in China where he graduated after undergoing military training.
In his address, Mr Yang applauded the relations between Zimbabwe and China saying they had delivered important milestones.
He said he was following up on agreements made and exploring new areas as envisaged by the Chinese leader, President Xi Jinping and President Mnangagwa.
He said China condemned the “illegal” sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and would use every international platform to have them lifted.
Meanwhile, some analysts are worried that China is probably being rewarded “for its generosity” by natural resources such as minerals and land, something they say was not sustainable and was likely to leave Zimbabwe poorer.
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Major Projects Financed By China Show Solid Relations Between Zimbabwe And China - President Mnangagwa

The People’s Republic of China has donated to Zimbabwe the recently completed US$100 million new Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, about 23km from Harare.
China funded the construction of the structure for Zimbabwe to boost friendship and solidarity between the two countries which dates back to the days of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle when the Asian nation supplied weapons and trained fighters.
Addressing reporters during a familiarisation tour of the new Parliament building, Shanghai Construction group manager Libo Cai said:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe’s new Parliament building is one of the most important projects in the China-Africa cooperation exercise, which is aimed at strengthening solidarity between the people of Zimbabwe and China while improving facilities in Parliament to ensure better services to Zimbabweans at large.
The project strongly supports democracy in Zimbabwe, while boosting the country’s image.
</blockquote>
The building, funded by the Chinese government through ChinaAid, consists of the National Assembly which can accommodate 350 people, while the Senate has 100 seats.
The seats are of different sizes to cater for both the slim and heavily built Members of Parliament (MPs).
Work on the project commenced in November 2018 but its completion was delayed by the coronavirus crisis.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/06/china-donates-new-parliament-building-to-zim/">NewsDay</a></h4>

China Donates New Parliament Building To Zimbabwe

A Chinese mechanic turned cook is set to be deported from Zimbabwe after he was jailed for violating the terms of his residence permit.
Li Changfeng (24), was selling Chinese traditional dishes to locals in Bulawayo’s Old Luveve suburb.
Changfeng’s culinary skills attracted the attention of immigration officials who then looked into his work status in the country.
It was the established his work permit stipulated that he was employed as a mechanic by Dongxin Machinery, a firm in Kadoma that specialised in mining machinery.
Changfeng had resigned from the company but he failed to notify immigration officials as was legally required.
He was therefore found to have broken the law as he continued using the existing permit.
Changfeng appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Gamuchirai Gore, facing charges of violating the terms of his employment permit as outlined in the Immigration Act.
He was convicted and fined R500, and detained at Khami medium prison, awaiting deportation from Zimbabwe.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/chinese-mechanic-turned-cook-to-be-deported-from-zimbabwe-20220424">News24</a></h4>

Chinese Mechanic Turned Cook Jailed, To Be Deported From Zimbabwe

A 56-year-old Chinese man was arrested recently on allegations of overstaying in the country by two years.
The suspect, Zhang Yongquan, appeared before Harare magistrate Shane Kubonera on Monday.
Zhang pleaded guilty and was remanded in custody to this Tuesday for sentencing.
Prosecuting, Anesu Chirenje told the court that on 21 March 2020, Zhang entered Zimbabwe and was given a 30-day holiday visa which expired on 20 April that year.
The state further alleged that Zhang never sought an extension when his 30-day visa had expired.
Meanwhile, immigration officials received information that the suspect didn’t have a valid permit allowing him to stay in Zimbabwe.
On 16 April this year, the officials went to Zhang’s Avondale home in Harare to carry out compliant checks.
They interview Zhang and established that he had overstayed in Zimbabwe, leading to his arrest.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/chinese-national-overstays-by-two-years/">H-Metro</a></h4>

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