President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday stood alongside 26 Heads of State and Government at Beijing’s Tiananmen Square to mark the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The solemn event, steeped in history and symbolism, underscored not only China’s enduring sacrifices during World War II but also its evolving role in global politics.
For Zimbabwe, the occasion carried added significance. Ties between Harare and Beijing stretch back to the liberation struggle, when China extended crucial military, political, and material support to the country’s freedom fighters. Speaking ahead of the commemorations, President Emmerson Mnangagwa hailed China as Zimbabwe’s “foremost ally” and stressed the need to preserve and strengthen this historic friendship.
“The relationship between Zimbabwe and China is not one of convenience but of shared struggle and solidarity. Our cooperation, which was forged during the most difficult years of our independence fight, continues to guide us today as we pursue economic growth and sovereignty,” Mnangagwa said.
The Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, which ran from 1931 until the end of World War II in 1945, remains one of the bloodiest chapters in modern history. It was the first and longest campaign of the global anti-fascist struggle, stretching across 14 years. During this period, China suffered immense human losses, with an estimated 35 million citizens either killed or wounded.
Mnangagwa Joins World Leaders in Beijing for China’s Victory Day Commemorations
Japan’s surrender on September 2, 1945, brought the devastating conflict to an end, culminating in the signing of the Instrument of Surrender. In recognition of those sacrifices, China’s national legislature declared September 3 as Victory Day in 2014. A year later, the government hosted its first large-scale military parade at Tiananmen Square to commemorate the occasion—a tradition that continues to this day.
This year’s commemorations were presided over by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who delivered a speech emphasizing Beijing’s enduring commitment to peace, development, and multilateralism. Addressing the gathered leaders, Xi said:
“We will remain committed to the path of peaceful development and join hands with all peoples around the world in building a community with a shared future for humanity.”
Reflecting on the wartime experience, Xi described the conflict as a defining moment for the Chinese people and a turning point in global history. He stressed that China had made “major contributions to saving human civilization and safeguarding world peace,” noting that such sacrifices should never be forgotten.
Xi also urged his compatriots to remain united under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in order to build a strong nation and achieve “national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization.”
Mnangagwa’s presence at the commemorations further highlighted Zimbabwe’s diplomatic and economic engagement with China. Since adopting the “Look East” policy in the early 2000s, Zimbabwe has leaned heavily on Beijing for investment, infrastructure development, and political support on the international stage.
Chinese companies have been active in Zimbabwe’s mining, energy, and construction sectors, with projects ranging from power generation plants to road networks and telecommunications infrastructure. The two countries have also strengthened cooperation in agriculture, technology, and education, with China offering scholarships to Zimbabwean students and training for local professionals.
Mnangagwa has repeatedly described China as a “strategic partner” in Zimbabwe’s quest for modernization. His government has sought to leverage Beijing’s financial and technical resources to revive the country’s struggling economy, particularly through large-scale infrastructure projects such as road and railway rehabilitation.
The Victory Day commemoration also carried broader geopolitical symbolism. Alongside Mnangagwa, high-profile leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko attended the ceremony. Their presence highlighted China’s growing influence among nations that view Beijing as a counterweight to Western dominance in global affairs.
For Zimbabwe, participation in the event was more than ceremonial. It signaled Harare’s continued alignment with China and other non-Western powers at a time when relations with the United States and Europe remain strained over issues of governance, human rights, and sanctions.
As the military formations rolled past Tiananmen Square, showcasing China’s technological prowess and defense readiness, the commemorations were as much about the future as they were about the past. For Zimbabwe, being part of such a historic moment reinforced the importance of its long-standing ties with Beijing, while also reflecting its broader foreign policy of deepening relations with the East.
Mnangagwa, who has often described Zimbabwe’s friendship with China as “all-weather,” used the occasion to emphasize that the two countries’ cooperation remains vital in addressing modern challenges—from economic development to safeguarding sovereignty in a changing world.
In commemorating the sacrifices of the past, both China and Zimbabwe underscored their shared commitment to building a future defined not only by economic progress but also by unity, resilience, and peace.
Source- Bulawayo24
