MOFA: China respects Mugabe's resignation

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China on Wednesday said it respected Robert Mugabe's decision to step down as president of Zimbabwe and vowed to continue "friendly" relations with the country.

"China respects Mr. Mugabe's decision to resign, and he is still a good friend of the Chinese people," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said during a regular news briefing.

Lu said Mugabe made "historic contributions" to Zimbabwe's independence and pan-Africanism. He had also devoted himself to promoting the friendship between China and Zimbabwe, as well as China and Africa relations.

Jacob Mudenda, speaker of Zimbabwe's parliament, is reading Mugabe's letter in Harare, November 21, 2017. /Reuters Photo

The 93-year-old Mugabe announced his decision to step down on Tuesday, ending his nearly four decades of ruling.

Zimbabwe's army seized power last Wednesday after Mugabe sacked his former vice president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, who will be sworn in as successor to Mugabe on Friday, the country's state media reported.

China has consistently adhered to the principle of non-interference of other countries' domestic affairs and will respect the choice of people of Zimbabwe.

"We believe that people of Zimbabwe have the ability to handle internal affairs well," Lu said, adding that China's friendly policy towards Zimbabwe will not change. "We will continue to follow the principles of equality, mutual benefits, and win-win cooperation to strengthen exchanges between the two countries." Lu said.

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