On the morning of September 4, 2025, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is in China for the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The two heads of state announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a China-Zimbabwe all-weather community with a shared future.

President Xi noted that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Zimbabwe, and the two countries’ “five-star ironclad” friendship has steadily deepened, setting an example for solidarity and coordination between China and Africa, and for the Global South. China will continue to firmly support Zimbabwe in independently pursuing a development path suited to its conditions, oppose external interference and illegal sanctions, and safeguard the shared interests of both countries and the broader Global South.

President Xi emphasized that the two sides should seize the opportunity presented by the elevation of bilateral relations to develop innovative approaches to cooperation and broaden cooperation in infrastructure, mining, investment, trade, etc., thereby raising the quality and upgrading the substance of cooperation between the two countries. China stands ready to work with Zimbabwe to advance the implementation of the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and support Zimbabwe’s economic and social development. Joint efforts are needed to implement the Global Governance Initiative, develop the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), deepen South-South cooperation, and make the international order more just and equitable.

President Mnangagwa said that he is delighted to attend the historic commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The international community must never forget China’s important contribution to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and must uphold a correct historical perspective on WWII. After 45 years of development, Zimbabwe-China relations have become increasingly mature and resilient. Zimbabwe looks forward to jointly building an all-weather community with a shared future with China, and will unwaveringly adhere to the one-China principle, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in all fields, and work for greater development of the bilateral relationship, bringing greater benefits to the people of the two countries. China has put forward a series of major initiatives such as the Global Governance Initiative, proposed the establishment of IOMed, and given zero-tariff treatment to African countries, playing an increasingly active and important role in international affairs. Zimbabwe stands ready to work with China to implement relevant initiatives and safeguard international fairness and justice.

Wang Yi was present at the meeting.