Zimbabwean President among 26 foreign leaders to attend China’s V-Day commemorations.

Beijing :At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, 26 foreign leaders will be gathering in Beijing to commemorate China’s Victory Day scheduled on September 3.Air Zimbabwe flight touched down just a while ago, President Emmerson Mnangagwa was greeted with full official honors by a high-ranking Chinese delegation. He is one of the 26 world leaders who will be attending the commemoration events on September 3 that marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Though African countries like Zimbabwe were not involved in joint fight at the main eastern battlefield during World War II, China has invited foreign dignitaries mainly from Global South countries including Cuba. Chinese officials said at a press conference that, in addition to friendship, China’s war of resistance was the first national liberation struggle, and it gave the then colonies and semi-colonies that suffered aggression and repression a lot of inspiration, confidence and courage to fight for national independence, and had a huge impact on their own victory. Back then, Zimbabwe was under British colonial rule, and its people experienced the burdens of imperialism, including economic exploitation and limited political rights. After gaining independence in 1980, Zimbabwe established diplomatic ties with China. And over the past 45 years, the two countries have cultivated strong political, economic and cultural exchanges. In recent developments, China and Zimbabwe have commenced the implementation of key bilateral projects during President Mnangagwa’s state visit to Beijing last year. Zimbabwe has now joined China in promoting South-South cooperation, focusing on justice, equality and mutual development, and the partnership of course emerged from the shared history of resisting oppression is now advocating multilateralism in solidarity.

Through anniversary events including the military parade, Beijing said the key message is that China will firmly be a force for peace, stability and progress and stand ready to work with all countries to make relentless effort for lasting peace and development of the world.