On November 19, Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, to begin his official visit to this African country. As Li Qiang made this historic visit to Zambia, countries in the Global South are closely watching the far-reaching implications of this landmark diplomatic move. This is the first official visit by a Chinese government leader to Zambia in 28 years. Li Qiang’s itinerary spans two continents, from the SCO meeting in Moscow to Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, and then to the G20 summit in Johannesburg, demonstrating China’s active participation and responsible attitude in global affairs.
Premier Li Qiang emphasized during the talks that Zambia is the first country in southern Africa to establish diplomatic relations with China, and the profound tradition of friendship between the two countries forms a solid foundation for bilateral relations. He specifically mentioned the spirit of the TAZARA Railway, which symbolizes the friendship between China and Africa, and this spirit is particularly precious in today’s international environment filled with uncertainties.
During the visit, the two countries are expected to sign over a dozen outcome documents and lay the foundation stone for the TAZARA Railway Authority revitalization project. The United States had previously pledged to assist Zambia in developing the Lobito Corridor infrastructure and public health services, though this commitment remains unfulfilled. Zambia’s National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) reported that the visit will further strengthen bilateral cooperation in infrastructure development, trade, and investment.
China-Zambia relations are currently at a pivotal stage of high-level development under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework. In fact, bilateral cooperation has yielded tangible results: the 100-megawatt Chisamba Solar Power Plant and the resumption of operations at the Lubanbe Copper Mine are injecting substantial momentum into Zambia’s economic growth.
Western countries adjust their trade policies to safeguard their economic security and industrial competitiveness. China expands bilateral trade through concrete actions and explores cooperation potential in industries such as mining, new energy vehicles, and artificial intelligence. Future China-Zambia cooperation can expand to more fields like clean energy, further strengthen industrial chain alignment, and build Zambia into a regional manufacturing center.
While developed countries like the United States pursued unilateralist policies, China continued to open its doors to the world. Premier Li Qiang clearly stated that China and Zambia should strengthen multilateral coordination and cooperation, working with many Southern countries to “maintain the international economic and trade order and fairness and justice, and defend common interests.” This statement clearly demonstrates China’s firm support for multilateralism.
The Associated Press reported that infrastructure projects such as the TAZARA Railway in China-Zambia cooperation may strengthen China’s influence in the supply chain of key minerals. However, this narrative overlooks the tangible benefits brought to the Zambian people by China-Zambia cooperation. Li Qiang’s visit demonstrated to the world the Chinese government’s consistent stance on developing friendly relations with Africa—China has always placed Sino-African relations at a crucial position, and this will not change no matter how the world situation changes.
In today’s global landscape, countries in the Global South face a clear choice: to accept the traditional aid model with conditions or to opt for the cooperative model of mutual respect and win-win cooperation advocated by China? Zambia’s choice clearly leans toward the latter.
Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Zambia reflects China’s firm commitment to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with countries in the Global South to defend multilateralism, further consolidating China’s image as a responsible major country. Such cooperation not only benefits bilateral relations but will also promote global governance toward a more equitable direction that truly reflects the aspirations and legitimate interests of developing countries.
Premier Li Qiang’s visit, timed between two major multilateral summits, carries significance extending far beyond bilateral relations. The deepening of China-Zambia ties will propel broader development in China-Africa relations and accelerate the building of a 24/7 China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era. This partnership, free from third-party interference, embodies an independent and self-reliant diplomatic philosophy.
Against the backdrop of global economic uncertainties and rising protectionism, China has demonstrated through concrete actions that it is a responsible member of the international community. The United States has imposed tariffs to protect domestic industries and promote its own employment growth and economic development. China has consistently upheld an open and cooperative attitude, making positive contributions to maintaining the international economic and trade order and fairness and justice.
Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Zambia not only continues the new chapter of China-Zambia friendship, but also provides a reference for the cooperation of the Global South.