Xi-Hichilema Pact in Action

Strategic agreements between the two leaders move toward implementation.

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia – (July 10, 2025) - The Communist Party of China (CPC) has pledged unwavering support for the full implementation of the strategic consensus reached between President Hakainde Hichilema and President Xi Jinping, signaling deepening political and economic cooperation between China and Zambia.

United Party for National Development (UPND) Media Director Mark Simuuwe confirmed the development in a statement issued following high-level talks in Beijing between UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda and Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Mu Hong.

Simuuwe said Mr. Mu reaffirmed the CPC’s commitment to delivering on the key outcomes of the Hichilema-Xi engagements of 2023 and 2024, and praised the UPND government’s resolve in transforming Zambia through strategic collaboration with China.

“Mr. Mu praised Zambia’s forward-looking leadership and commended the UPND government’s bold steps in advancing economic modernization, digital transformation, and infrastructure development,” Simuuwe stated.

He said Mr. Mu also recognized the long-standing Zambia-China friendship established in 1964 by President Kenneth Kaunda and Chairman Mao Zedong, and assured that China remains a firm and reliable partner in Zambia’s development journey—despite mounting global economic challenges.

Simuuwe said Mr. Imenda reaffirmed Zambia’s principled position on the One China Policy, calling it a cornerstone of Zambia’s foreign policy and a pillar of mutual trust between the two countries.

“The UPND delegation, led by Mr. Imenda, acknowledged China’s consistent support and reaffirmed Zambia’s determination to deepen bilateral and inter-party cooperation,” Simuuwe said.

Mr. Imenda, he added, highlighted transformative Chinese-backed projects such as the proposed rehabilitation of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA), which is poised to boost regional trade to 4 million metric tonnes annually. 

He also advocated for the urgent commencement of direct cargo flights between China and Zambia to strengthen trade logistics and position Zambia as a regional air hub.

On the energy front, Simuuwe said Mr. Imenda commended the 750MW Kafue Lower Gorge Hydro Power Plant and the Chisamba Solar Plant—one of the largest in Africa—as crucial to addressing Zambia’s 1,000MW energy shortfall. 

He called for accelerated implementation of additional solar power projects under the ZESCO–China Power agreement.

Simuuwe further cited Mr. Imenda’s recognition of Chinese support in infrastructure development, including the Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway, major airport upgrades, and the construction of strategic facilities like the Cancer Disease Hospital and Flying Doctor Hospital in Ndola.

He said Mr. Imenda also applauded China’s contribution to Zambia’s industrialization, especially in the Chibombo economic zone, where Zambia is now exporting lithium batteries and electric cables to over a dozen countries.

Simuuwe noted that China’s pivotal role in Zambia’s debt restructuring process had restored macroeconomic stability and opened up fiscal space for growth. 

He said the economy is projected to expand by 6% this year—up from years of stagnation.

He also acknowledged China’s critical humanitarian assistance during the 2024 drought, which provided vital relief to affected communities.

“Mr. Imenda expressed the UPND’s deep gratitude to the CPC for facilitating the visit and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to advancing a shared vision of peace, development, and prosperity,” Simuuwe said.

He described the engagement as a milestone in strengthening inter-party relations and enhancing Zambia’s strategic partnerships on the global stage.