Lusaka – The Embassy of China in Lusaka hosted a grand reception on 25 September to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The celebration brought together about 500 guests, including senior Zambian government officials, parliamentarians, representatives of the defence forces, Chinese businesses, overseas Chinese communities, diplomats and international organisations.
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Brenda Tambatamba, attended as guest of honour. She read President Hakainde Hichilema’s congratulatory message which described Zambia and China’s relationship as deeply rooted and fruitful. The President stated that Zambia was ready to join China in implementing the four global initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping, and to strengthen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation aimed at building a community with a shared future for humanity.
Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, delivered a speech that revisited the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. He said peace had been hard-won and that China remained committed to promoting peace, advancing development and upholding fairness and justice at the global level. The Ambassador pointed to President Xi’s Global Governance Initiative as one of four international strategies that he described as bringing positive momentum to Africa and beyond.
Ambassador Han noted that relations between China and Zambia were at a “historical best” and said both countries were expected to build on consensus reached by their leaders. He stated that Beijing was ready to work closely with Lusaka to expand cooperation in a wide range of sectors, share opportunities and create what he described as a shared future.
The evening included screenings of videos and images showing major China-Zambia joint projects and the V-Day military parade. Guests also toured a photo exhibition on the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. Cultural performances were staged by the Banthu Ndiwo Ensemble, the Confucius Institute at the University of Zambia and the Shaolin Temple in Zambia, adding to the atmosphere of the event.
Those in attendance expressed satisfaction with the progress of cooperation between China and Zambia, and China and Africa at large. They applauded the discipline and morale of the People’s Liberation Army, praised China’s latest achievements in its modernization efforts and extended their best wishes for the future of the China-Zambia Comprehensive Strategic and Cooperative Partnership.
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