Zimpapers Logo

Herald Correspondent

Interview with the spokesperson of the  Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Zimbabwe (19 March 2023

Q1: On 1 March, the US Senate Committee held a nomination hearing for Ms Pamela M Tremont, the nominee to the US ambassador to Zimbabwe. What is your comment? 

A: We noticed the nomination hearing for Ms Tremont from the social media. 

The US senators and government officials wantonly discussed Zimbabwe’s internal affairs and even smeared China-Zimbabwe co-operation. I want to challenge them, “Who gives them the right to point fingers at other countries’ diplomatic relations?” 

The US’s old habit never changes. 

We strongly suggest the US politicians to study the word, “respect”, and respect Zimbabwe’s independence and sovereignty, respect the African countries and African people, and respect the normal co-operation between Zimbabwe and other countries. 

Zimbabwe has the right to develop friendly relations with any other country without external influence or pressure. 

Please remember, Zimbabwe should not be used as a battlefield for the US to counter China. 

Zimbabwe should not be used as a wrestling ground for major-country rivalry. We believe that the Zimbabwean Government and its people will not allow this to happen in their territory. 

China does not care about or fear the so-called countering claimed by the US since the later is now containing China across the world. 

But we urge the US not to drag Zimbabwe into its agenda, or make a mess in the continent of Africa. The long standing China-Zimbabwe friendship and China-Africa friendship are unbreakable. 

Q2: During the hearing, Ms Tremont said the China-aid New Parliament Building “did not necessarily benefit Zimbabwean people”. What is your comment?

A: May I have a question? Is the US Capitol not serving the interests of the American people? 

Is it just benefiting the US congressmen and senators? If so, the US should stop its budget for maintaining and protecting the Capitol. 

The US always advocates its model of “democracy”. Why does Zimbabwe not need a new parliament building to develop the nation’s democracy? 

The China-aid New Parliament Building will definitely benefit Zimbabwe and its people. 

Firstly, it is a landmark building demonstrating the national image and honour of Zimbabwe, which has a glorious history and splendid culture. 

Every Zimbabwean will enjoy this pride and glory. Secondly, it will completely improve the working conditions for the Members of Parliament from different parties, supporting them to perform duties and better serve for their people. 

Thirdly, it will bring a boom of infrastructure construction and commercial activities in the outskirts of Harare. The Mount Hampden area is quite hopeful to be a modernised satellite city and eventually benefit the people. 

Q3: Ms Tremont alleged that there was “little transparency in terms of the contracts” on the foreign direct investment in Zimbabwe’s mineral projects by China. What is your response? 

A: China has been carrying out co-operation with Zimbabwe by focusing on real and urgent needs of Zimbabwe. 

It is up to Zimbabwe to make decisions on what and whether to do so. Every project of China-Zimbabwe co-operation and of every Chinese investment is on the ground of Zimbabwe. 

All the ministries of Zimbabwean Government are there and keep track of all foreign investment and co-operation. 

It is easy to find out where the Chinese funds are used and what benefits are generated. This is the best transparency. 

If the US failed and even do not want to find out the truth, it is not qualified to comment. 

We noticed that the new ambassador alleged the US invested US$4.5 billion in Zimbabwe. 

It is more than one third of the foreign currency inflows of Zimbabwe for a whole year. 

We are curious where the money went, what projects have been completed, what benefits have been brought to Zimbabwean people, and how much has been spent on “defending democratic space to improve the election system”. 

We will be very glad to see more investments from the US in Zimbabwe, while what the US needs to do immediately is to lift all its illegal sanctions against Zimbabwe without any conditions and stop interfering in Zimbabwe’s internal affairs. 

If anyone wants to talk about competition, let us compete on “Who contributes more to the development of Zimbabwe?” 

If anyone wants to counter something, let us counter hegemonism and interference in other countries’ internal affairs. 

We wish the newly appointed US ambassador could perform better than her predecessor and gain the trust of Zimbabwean people.