from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – ZAMBIA has reaffirmed its determination to strengthen bilateral and parliamentary ties with the People’s Republic of China, underscoring the enduring relationship between the two nations that dates back more than six decades.
The pledge was made by First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Malungo Chisangano, during a meeting with a delegation from the Communist Party of China (CPC) currently visiting Lusaka. The delegation is led by Wang Linhu, Head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Hubei Provincial Committee.
Chisangano hailed the visit as a positive step toward consolidating mutual cooperation, recalling that China was among the first nations to recognise Zambia’s independence in 1964.
Since then, Beijing has emerged as a key partner in Zambia’s development, investing heavily in infrastructure, mining, agriculture, and energy.
“We value our enduring partnership and look forward to continued collaboration that will yield tangible benefits for our people,” Chisangano said.
The CPC delegation’s visit is part of a series of reciprocal exchanges aimed at reinforcing both party-to-party and state-to-state relations.
Earlier this year, a delegation from Zambia’s ruling **United Party for National Development (UPND) visited China, where they reaffirmed commitments to advance bilateral agreements and enhance cooperation across sectors.
The renewed engagements build on the framework established during President Hakainde Hichilema’s state visit to China, where he and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
These agreements focused on expanding trade, boosting investment, and supporting Zambia’s economic recovery efforts, particularly in infrastructure and industrial development.
China has historically been instrumental in major Zambian projects, most notably the construction of the Tazara Railway in the 1970s, linking Zambia to the Tanzanian port of Dar es Salaam.
In recent years, China has also been central to Zambia’s energy expansion and road network rehabilitation, although the growing debt burden associated with Chinese loans has sparked debate within Zambia and beyond.
Despite these concerns, officials on both sides stress that the partnership continues to offer opportunities for shared growth and development.
As Zambia seeks to stabilise its economy, diversify exports, and create jobs, closer collaboration with China is seen as a crucial avenue for mobilising resources and expertise.
The latest round of exchanges signals Lusaka’s eagerness not only to preserve the historical friendship but also to adapt it to new economic realities and opportunities.
— CAJ News