CULTURE is the heartbeat of diplomacy and few events embody this more than the vibrant celebration of China-Zimbabwe bilateral ties, where music, dragon dancing, opera, magic, film and choral performances came together in a powerful display of unity and heritage.
From the stirring rhythms of traditional Zimbabwean music to the intricate choreography of Chinese dragon dancers and the poignant storytelling captured through film and video, these artistic expressions served not only as entertainment but as vessels of identity, history, and shared aspirations.
The performances, rich in symbolism and emotion, transcended language barriers, weaving a cultural bridge that reflects the deep and evolving friendship between the Republics of China and Zimbabwe.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade acting minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who is also the Defence minister and Zanu PF national chairperson, who was the guest of honor, and Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding exchanged wine tosses in agreement to well lived bilateral ties at the Chinese National Day last Friday at the Celebration Centre in Harare.
The day was commemorated as a joint creative celebration of the 67th anniversary of the founding of the Peoples Republic of China and the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationships between China and Zimbabwe.
Muchinguri-Kashiri narrated several milestones which were achieved by the second republic led President Emmerson Munangagwa in conjunction with the support of the People’s Republic of China.
She highlighted transformative milestones made possible through the China-Zimbabwe co-operation under Mnangagwa’s administration.
These include digital connectivity, water and sanitation infrastructure, and advancements in mining and green energy, thus emphasising the tangible outcomes of diplomatic engagement.
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She added that during Mnangagwa’s meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, the two leaders concurred that the “five-star ironclad friendship” has steadily deepened and set an example for solidarity and co-ordination between China and Africa, as well as the Global South.
Zhou praised China’s historic development journey, citing its rise from hardship to becoming a global leader in innovation and trade.
He emphasised his country’s dedication to global peace, co-operation and equitable governance through initiatives like the Belt and Road and the Global Civilization Initiative.
Zhou echoed the importance of people-to-people diplomacy, spotlighting Zimbabweans trained in China, medical teams offering free healthcare and agricultural collaborations aimed at poverty reduction.
These exchanges form the cornerstone of a deeply rooted and forward-looking partnership.
“China’s development hinges on a peaceful international environment. Safeguarding peace while promoting common development has always been at the heart of China’s foreign policy,” Zhou said.
“China firmly upholds the UN-centred international system and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
“Over the past decade, amid global turbulence and profound transformation, HE President Xi Jinping has put forward the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, along with the Global Governance Initiative proposed not long ago.
“These initiatives are designed to promote a more just and equitable global governance system, fosters an equal and orderly multi-polar world and advance a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.”
Directed by Tinashe Kuma Kitchen, the cultural showcase fused Chinese and Zimbabwean artistry in a seamless celebration.
Audiences were captivated by a rich tapestry of performances from opera and puppetry to acrobatics and storytelling that embodied shared values of unity, resilience, and pride.
From the excitement of storytelling video clip, which vividly captured the memorable moments in China-Zimbabwe bilateral ties during this past year, military drills and milestones to the two countries’ national anthems performed by the Confucius Institute at the University of Zimbabwe.
The highlight of the day were artists from Jianxu province located in Southeast, China, who included Xiau La Yu Ming, Monkey King Opera, The Return of The Monkey King, Canal Tea, Long Spout Teapot Kungfu, Puppetry Special Skill: Shichuan Opera –Face Chaning, Joyful Tambourine, Magic Show (Auspicious China) and China-Zimbabwe Joint Performance.
All the performances symbolised unity, national pride and a commitment to progress.
Photographs from past and present exchanges moved Comrade William Mukumbuzi, a war veteran trained in China, as he recognised faces and moments that symbolised the enduring solidarity between the two nations.
