From liberation to development: How China-Zimbabwe solidarity lives on

A remarkable discovery at the Chinese Embassy in Harare, archival photos of Zimbabwean liberation fighters training in China and under Chinese instructors in Tanzania during the 1960s-70s, has reignited reflection on one of Africa's most enduring revolutionary partnerships.

The veterans captured in those images later wrote to Chinese President Xi Jinping to express gratitude for China's support during Zimbabwe's liberation struggle.

In his January 28 reply, President Xi praised their sacrifices and the profound friendship forged between the Chinese and Zimbabwean peoples.

Douglas Mahiya, Politburo Member and Secretary for War Veterans of Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party, and Eric Mupona, ZANU-PF Far East Asia District Secretary for Youth Affairs, reflected on the historical roots of this solidarity and what it means for younger generations today.

A brotherhood forged in struggle

For Mahiya, China's role in Zimbabwe's liberation is inseparable from the country's history.

"Zimbabwe's history is incomplete whenever it is written without mentioning the contribution of the Chinese nation to the liberation of this country."

He recalled that Chinese support went far beyond symbolism, shaping the military, ideological, and strategic foundations of the struggle:

"We used the Chinese arms, the Chinese ideology, the Chinese uniform, and the Chinese strategies. There is no way we can talk about the Zimbabwean revolution and forget the Chinese people."

Training programs were pivotal. Zimbabwean fighters, including future national leaders, received military and political education in China beginning in the 1960s.

"It is from these groups that trained in China that we got the Chinese military syllabus, in order to train others back home.”

Revolutionary friendship that endures

Why does Zimbabwe continue to honor those wartime ties decades later?

Mahiya framed it as loyalty rooted in shared sacrifice:

"You don't befriend a new friend and forget the old friend. With the old friend you have memories, programs, and a revolution you fought together."

He added that China's post-liberation development path also serves as a model:

"After liberation comes the economic phase of the revolution. The strategies that the Chinese people had, we still need to borrow."

From military revolution to economic transformation

Eric Mupona sees President Xi's reply as recognition not only of history, but of an evolving partnership.

"President Xi's reply is a profound gesture, honoring the veterans for laying a strong foundation for the friendship we are enjoying today."

He described how the relationship has expanded beyond wartime solidarity:

"This revolutionary friendship has evolved into a comprehensive partnership characterized by high-level political trust and deep people-to-people exchanges."

Youth carrying the torch

Today's China-Zimbabwe ties are increasingly driven by young people, especially students and entrepreneurs.

Mupona highlighted the surge in educational exchange:

"Around 2000, there were only four Zimbabwean students studying in China. By 2018, there were 5,225. This massive increase provides a strong foundation for our future."

For him, the mission mirrors that of the liberation generation:

"They came here to learn how to liberate our nation. We are here to learn how to develop it."

He stressed the responsibility of youth to transfer knowledge home:

"The key lesson is how to successfully transfer what we learn back home. The ball is now in our court."

Living memory

Liberation-era influence extended even into daily conduct and moral codes. Mahiya shared a revolutionary song inspired by Mao Zedong's teachings, still heard in Zimbabwe today.

He explained its message:

"It commanded freedom fighters to speak with honor, not to take anything without paying, not to mistreat captives, but to teach them why we fought."

For Mupona, such traditions remain ideologically relevant:

"This revolutionary song is not history-it's alive, rooted in Maoism, especially the principle 'from the masses, to the masses.'"

Tangible outcomes of bilateral ties

Beyond ideology, Mahiya pointed to concrete development cooperation:

"The Chinese people have assisted us to build a beautiful parliament, steel manufacturing plants, cement production, bridges and hospitals."

He linked these projects to Zimbabwe's economic aspirations:

"This is to help Zimbabwe stand on its own and achieve its economic goals."

A shared future led by Youth

With Africa the world's youngest continent, both guests emphasized youth leadership in sustaining China-Africa ties.

Mupona noted:

"75% of Africa's population is under 35. There is a need to emphasize the role young people will play in shaping the future."

His message to youth across China, Zimbabwe, and Africa:

"We should learn from our veteran comrades, capture that revolutionary spirit, and take the revolution from the past into the future."

Mahiya agreed, stressing a shift in battlefield:

"We are moving from military struggle to economic struggle, to modernize infrastructure, improve livelihoods, and fight poverty."

The core ethos China-Zimbabwe partnership endures: solidarity, mutual learning, and shared development.

As Mupona put it: "Let young people come to China, learn technology, and bring it back home. We also welcome Chinese partners to invest in Zimbabwe. This is how our relations will grow stronger."