China calls for an end to Western sanctions on Zimbabwe

China called on Western nations to remove sanctions against Zimbabwe, describing the measures as illegal acts that harm the country's economic development and violate its sovereignty. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters in Beijing on Tuesday that a small group of Western countries has maintained these restrictions for decades, in what he termed typical hegemonic behavior. He said the sanctions hurt Zimbabwe's development rights and damage regional cooperation efforts across Southern Africa.

Guo said China stands with Zimbabwe in marking SADC Anti-Sanctions Day, established by the 39th SADC Summit for October 25. Beijing pledged to help African nations pursue peace, stability and prosperity while defending Zimbabwe's independence. The spokesperson urged Western countries and organizations to lift their restrictions without delay.

China blocked a United States sanctions resolution at the UN Security Council in 2008, when Ambassador Wang Guangya exercised the veto. The Chinese embassy in Harare said that the decision reflected lasting solidarity between the two nations. Both governments maintain cooperation in infrastructure projects, trade ventures, investment programs and cultural exchanges based on mutual respect and non-interference principles.