LUSAKA – Zambia reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to its long-standing partnership with China as President Hakainde Hichilema welcomed His Excellency Mr. Erkin Tuniyaz, Chairman of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, to State House today. The visit marks a significant diplomatic engagement, further deepening the ties between the two nations amid an evolving global landscape.
The Chairman arrived with an esteemed and elaborate delegation, underlining the importance China places on its relationship with Zambia. This high-level exchange reflects the maturity and strategic nature of the bilateral partnership, which continues to thrive on the pillars of mutual respect, development cooperation, and shared economic interests.
President Hichilema emphasized Zambia’s enduring commitment to the One-China Policy, stating unequivocally that the People’s Republic of China is recognized as the sole legitimate government of China. This position, grounded in diplomatic history and mutual understanding, continues to guide Zambia’s foreign policy. “We reaffirm our firm commitment to the One-China Policy,” said President Hichilema. “Our relations with China are anchored in decades of cooperation, and we look forward to building even stronger ties in the years ahead.”
The President acknowledged the pivotal role of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China’s broader economic strategy, noting its importance in sectors such as textiles, renewable energy, agriculture, mining, and logistics. These are also priority sectors for Zambia’s development, making Xinjiang a valuable partner in Zambia’s quest for economic transformation and job creation. “We are eager to explore Xinjiang’s strengths in key industries to help unlock Zambia’s potential. Our collaboration will open up new opportunities for trade, infrastructure development, and technology exchange, all of which will benefit our people,” said President Hichilema.
As global geopolitical dynamics continue to shift, Zambia sees its partnership with China as increasingly vital. The cooperation extends beyond trade and investment, encompassing knowledge-sharing, infrastructure development, and people-to-people exchanges. Today’s visit by Mr. Erkin Tuniyaz and his delegation is a testament to the trust and goodwill that define Zambia-China relations. It also sets the stage for new initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development and economic diversification in Zambia.
President Hichilema concluded with optimism, expressing confidence that the strategic partnership with China—especially through engagement with regions like Xinjiang—will help accelerate Zambia’s development agenda, foster innovation, and create lasting benefits for future generations.