China, Zimbabwe Slam West’s Double Standards

China and Zimbabwe have separately criticised the interference of some Western countries in other countries’ domestic affairs and imposition of double standards.

Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged his countrymen not to be overly concerned and lose sleep over what some unfriendly foreigners who seek to interfere in the country’s internal affairs think but “we should instead redouble our efforts to build a new and stronger nation that can not only withstand occasional uncertainties but also achieve greater successes”.

Asked why, despite the harsh economic challenges the majority of the citizens are quietly going on with their lives and not causing problems, President Mnangagwa responds, in his usual disarmingly candid and simple manner:

“In the current situation, and Zimbabweans know what caused this; each and every one of us is fully aware of the challenges facing our nation and we are resolute in meeting these challenges head on!”

The President accused, especially the United States, of harbouring an agenda seeking an illegal regime change after their prefaced political choice lost elections three years ago.

Zimbabwe has defied odds to mount a significant response to the US economic sanctions – courtesy of help from all-weather friends China, Russia, India and other progressive nations – and minimise the effects on its economy.

The government has recently accused the Western allies of sponsoring pockets of non-governmental organisations and “opposition media” media outlets to influence public opinion in order to suffocate projects and investments funded from friendly countries – all in the name of human rights, lack of governance and environmental degradation.

In addition, the Western-sponsored media – courtesy of US outfits National Democratic Institute and International Republic Institute – have also bankrolled media groups to tarnish the image and projects of China as not respecting local cultures!

The growing presence of Chinese investment in Africa in general and Zimbabwe in particular has not gone down well with the West that has witnessed its regime change project “self-destruct” – brick by brick – as the country builds its economy – “stone upon stone” – as President Mnangagwa says.

Such a coincidence, as one columnist has observed, betrays well-coordinated behind the scenes dalliances between opposition and hostile foreign forces to scupper the country progress.

The government has urged the US and some UK politicians to abide by international law and stop undermining Zimbabwean’s sovereignty.

And in a statement, the Chamber of Chinese Enterprises in Zimbabwe (CCEZ) hit at these NGOs – pulling no punches.

The CCEZ elaborated on an unacceptable position of fabricating stories and lies and misinformation against the two sister republics of China and Zimbabwe,

“We strongly deplore and oppose groundless accusations that are malicious and driven by falsehoods,” the CCEZ hit back at allegations from these quarters.

“Our numerous companies employ more than 100 000 local people through different sectors, with billions in US of investments. We have done this heeding the clarion call that “Zimbabwe is open for business” and in  line with Zimbabwe’s aspirational targets such as achieving US$12 billion mining economy by 2023 and Vision 2030 of achieving an upper high middle-income economy by 2030.

“Instead of engaging in microphone diplomacy and manipulation of public opinion, anyone or any civil society can resort to legal means if any member company does anything illegal.

“People who engage in microphone diplomacy have their clandestine political agenda.”

And a top official at the Chinese embassy criticised the West’s hypocrisy, saying these activities will come to zero,

Accusing the US of interfering in Zimbabwe’s domestic affairs through unilateral and illegal sanctions from a position of strength.

“Even the UN has condemned the effects of these sanctions,” he said.

China and Zimbabwe’s collaboration is strong and has great flexibility and is developed along mutual respect that promotes cooperation for mutual benefit along international law, he explained.

“China has grown to be Zimbabwe’s largest trading partner and “will continue, whatever it takes to keep both countries’ economies ticking and justice will always prevail as times have changed for those countries that attempt to illegally and arbitrarily interfere in other countries’ internal affairs.”

By Patrick Musira

TAN