(MENAFN) Zimbabwe and China have upgraded their relationship to an “all-weather community with a shared future” following talks between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday. The meeting took place in Beijing during commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Imperial Japan.

Xi highlighted the 45-year diplomatic history between Beijing and Harare, praising the partnership as a model of solidarity between China and Africa and the Global South. He pledged support for Zimbabwe’s development and called for closer cooperation in infrastructure, mining, trade, and investment. Xi also emphasized opposition to external interference and illegal sanctions.

Mnangagwa reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to the “one-China” principle and to deepening mutually beneficial cooperation across all sectors.

China has furthered initiatives like the Global Governance Initiative, proposed the creation of the International Organization for Mediation, and offered zero-tariff access to African nations. Experts note that Chinese investments have significantly shaped Zimbabwe’s economy, particularly in the mining sector. Over the past five years, Chinese companies have invested roughly $2 billion in lithium exploration and infrastructure, with Zimbabwe now producing most of Africa’s lithium.

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