Chinese trade with African countries makes steady progress

Zimbabwe's national airline is to start flying to the Chinese 
capital Beijing twice a week. The plan was announced by the 
Chinese media recently. There are a number of other Zimbabwe-
China projects on the drawing board.

The long-standing relationship between the two countries has seen 
floods of cheap goods imported from China, and big construction 
deals going to Chinese firms.

Air Zimbabwe is thought to have only two working long-haul 
aircraft, although it expects another two from China thanks to 
the airlines deal.

China's relationship with Zimbabwe dates back to the liberation 
struggle of the 1970s, when troops were trained by Chinese 
advisers — as well as those from North Korea and elsewhere. Once 
independence came in 1980, China continued a small but reliable 
economic interest in the country.

As Western aid dried up in the 1990s to be replaced by sustained 
hostility from those countries, the Chinese extended assistance.

Despite Zimbabwe's economic difficulties China strengthened its 
relationship. As many as 9000 Chinese are believed to be in 
Zimbabwe working on a wide range of projects.

These projects include hydro-electric and coal power stations, 
bridges, airports, and the reconstruction of Zimbabwe's most 
important border post at Beit Bridge with South Africa.

A Chinese consortium has a management contract with Zisco, the 
state steel firm, while technology firm Huawei has a $440m 
contract to supply telecommunications equipment.

Zimbabwe has rich mineral wealth, including platinum, gold and 
diamonds which is behind the West's attempt to overthrow the 
Mugabe Government and install a puppet government.

China has also developed substantial interests in the oil 
resources of a number of other African countries.

In Sudan, the China National Petroleum Corporation owns 40 
percent of the Greater Nile crude project, and has long-term 
contracts with Nigeria and Angola. It is undertaking construction 
projects in Botswana. In all, China-African trade is expected to 
top US $20bn in 2004.