CHINA’S ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding, on Wednesday formally handed over a letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping to veterans of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, reaffirming the historic ties forged during the war and the enduring partnership between the two countries.
Addressing war veterans and invited guests at the Chinese embassy in Harare, Zhou said the occasion marked a significant chapter in the long-standing friendship between China and Zimbabwe, which was birthed during the liberation struggle and has continued to deepen in the post-independence era.
He recalled that last year marked the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, an event commemorated by a historic photo exhibition showcasing shared moments from the liberation era.
With support from Chegutu East MP Webster Shamu and the Parliamentary Zimbabwe-China Friendship Association, the embassy identified war veterans who received military training in China or Tanzania with Chinese assistance and hosted them during China’s National Day celebrations.
Zhou said two months ago, 17 of the veterans visited the embassy and jointly wrote to Xi, recounting their training experiences, expressing gratitude for China’s support during the liberation struggle, congratulating China on its achievements and reaffirming their commitment to the enduring bond between the two nations.
“We are deeply honoured that President Xi Jinping read the letter with great care and personally wrote a reply,” Zhou said.
“It is my great privilege to present this warm and encouraging message to our respected war veterans.”
In his reply, Xi paid tribute to the veterans, noting that the China-Zimbabwe friendship was “forged in the fires of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle”.
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He said China stood firmly with Zimbabwe and Africa at a time when the Asian giant itself faced immense challenges, offering political support, military training and material assistance.
“Our veterans transformed what they learned in China to strength for Zimbabwe’s liberation and forged an unbreakable bond between our two peoples,” Xi wrote, saluting their historic contributions.
The Chinese leader highlighted the steady deepening of bilateral relations since Zimbabwe’s attainment of independence in 1980, culminating in the elevation of ties last year to an All-Weather Community with a Shared Future.
He pointed to tangible co-operation outcomes, including the New Parliament Building, major airport expansions, power stations at Hwange and Kariba South, industrial parks, hospitals, schools, boreholes and irrigation schemes.
Xi also noted that bilateral trade reached a record US$4,39 billion in 2025 and that people-to-people exchanges and close co-ordination on international affairs continue to strengthen China-Zimbabwe and China-Africa solidarity, setting an example of South-South co-operation
Zhou said Xi’s message underscored China’s readiness to work with Zimbabwe and Africa to carry forward the traditional friendship to a new era.
He described the war veterans as pioneers and living witnesses to this shared history and called on younger generations to carry the relationship forward.
Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs deputy minister Headman Moyo said the handover was more than a ceremonial exchange, but a powerful reminder of a shared revolutionary history and enduring fraternity.
“During the darkest days of our liberation struggle, China stood firmly with the oppressed masses of Zimbabwe,” Moyo said.
“It provided not just words of solidarity, but concrete support through military training, political education and ideological grounding.”
He said the veterans honoured at the ceremony embodied the shared history and values of self-reliance, collective responsibility and people-centred development, which remain relevant to Zimbabwe’s development path.
“The reply by President Xi Jinping demonstrates that China remembers the sacrifices made by Zimbabwean freedom fighters,” Moyo said.
“It reinforces that our relationship is not transactional, but fraternal, rooted in shared values, mutual respect and a common anti-imperialist struggle.”
