by ARNOLD MULENGA
LUSAKA – ZAMBIA’S ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) is strengthening political and developmental cooperation with the Communist Party of China (CPC).
Batuke Imenda, UPND Secretary General, is leading a senior party delegation to China at the invitation of the CPC.
“This visit represents a deepening of political cooperation and mutual respect between our two parties and nations,” Imenda said.
“We are grateful to the CPC for their continued friendship, solidarity, and strategic support to Zambia.”
Imenda said the UPND acknowledged China’s pivotal role in Zambia’s recent debt restructuring process.
This, he said, was a critical step in restoring macroeconomic stability and fiscal space for development.
UPND has also highlighted China’s expanding investments in Zambia’s mining, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors.
These have grown following President Hakainde Hichilema’s diplomatic engagements with counterpart President Xi Jinping under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
UPND also welcomed China’s emergency assistance during the 2024 drought.
Batuke Imenda, pushes for closer ties with Communist Party of China (CPC) for his country’s development
Imenda reaffirmed Zambia’s long-standing support for the One China Principle.
This is a traditional position Zambia has held since 1964, at its independence.
Zambia was the first country in Southern Africa to establish diplomatic relations with China, shortly after self-rule.
This was built on the visionary leadership of Mao Zedong and Kenneth Kaunda.
UPND has been in power since 2021 and is criticised for aligning Zambia with the West.
– CAJ News
