China Pledges Continued Support for Zambia's Development and Fight Against Poverty

China has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening relations with Zambia, promising continued cooperation in economic development, poverty reduction and people-to-people partnerships. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the assurance during a meeting with representatives of nine Zambian civil society organisations in Beijing, describing China as an all-weather friend of Zambia.

Guo said China possesses the technology, expertise and resources that could help Zambia achieve its development goals and lift more citizens out of poverty. However, he emphasised that meaningful progress would also require hard work and commitment from Zambians themselves. Civil Society Consortium Chairperson Isaac Mwanza welcomed the engagement, saying it demonstrated China's willingness to listen to civil society and strengthen relations beyond government-to-government cooperation.

NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe urged China to ensure that women are not left behind in future cooperation programmes, stressing that women should participate as beneficiaries, partners and decision-makers. SACCORD Executive Director Arthur Muyunda also called for stronger collaboration between China, President Hakainde Hichilema's administration and civil society to support the Grow Zambia Agenda, particularly through technology, job creation and economic opportunities.

The Zambian delegation is visiting China at the invitation of the Chinese Embassy in Lusaka, with engagements scheduled in Beijing, Qingdao and Yantai. The civil society leaders say the visit should produce practical partnerships and opportunities that benefit ordinary Zambians, particularly young people, women and underserved communities, rather than remaining limited to diplomatic discussions.