Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa arrived in China on Monday to attend commemorations of the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the war of resistance against Japanese aggression and end of Second World War.
Mnangagwa was welcomed at Beijing International Airport by China’s Head of Ethnic Affairs, Chen Ruifeng and Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to China, Abigail Shoniwa.
His visit comes at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping and places Zimbabwe among a select group of African nations represented at the commemorations.
The events, scheduled for 3 September, will include a massive military parade in Tiananmen Square to mark China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945) and the end of the Second World War.
The Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945) was the first to break out before World War II.
In 14 years, an estimated 35 million Chinese were killed or wounded.
The war of resistance later coincided with WWII that started in 1939 and ended when Japan officially surrendered on 2 September 1945 by signing the Instrument of Surrender.
The commemorations are expected to draw leaders from 26 countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Mnangagwa’s participation reflects Zimbabwe’s deepening ties with Beijing under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation.
While in China, he is expected to hold bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping and meet with Chinese business executives to discuss investment opportunities in energy, infrastructure and agriculture.
The commemorations also serve as a platform for China to reaffirm its commitment to global peace and inclusive development.
Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei said the anniversary honours wartime sacrifices and promotes a multipolar world order rooted in sovereignty and mutual respect.
Mnangagwa’s arrival in Beijing followed his visit to the Vatican at the weekend where he held private talks with Pope Leo XIV.
JN/APA
