On September 15, 2023, during his talks at the Great Hall of the People with President Hakainde Hichilema, who was on a state visit to China, President Xi fondly recalled the meeting between Chairman Mao Zedong and President Kenneth Kaunda in 1974, when Chairman Mao put forward the Three Worlds Theory for the first time, which to this day still plays an important role in guiding China’s diplomacy and in strengthening the unity among developing countries all around the world.

In China, whenever Zambia is talked about, the first words that come to mind are President Kenneth Kaunda, together with Chairman Mao, the Three Worlds Theory, TAZARA, and the traditional friendship between China and Africa. Dr. Kaunda’s story with China has been one that embodies the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, which features sincere friendship and equality, mutual benefit and common development, fairness and justice, and progress with the times and openness and inclusiveness.  As we celebrate the centenary of Dr. Kaunda, we hope to draw wisdom and courage from him for our common cause of China-Zambia relations.

Sincere friendship and equality means China and Zambia have always rendered firm support to the other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns and have worked hand in hand in their joint endeavors for modernization. 60 years ago, five days after Zambia gained independence, Dr. Kaunda announced the establishment of diplomatic relations with China, making Zambia the first southern African country to establish diplomatic ties with China. Since then, the two countries have been developing a close friendship as equal partners, despite tremendous changes in the international landscape, and this friendship has produced fruitful results. We in China will never forget what Dr. Kaunda did for the long-standing all-weather friendship between China and Zambia.

Mutual benefit and common development means a synergy between the interests of the two peoples and the development opportunities of the two countries. When the new-born Zambia was in urgent need of a cross-border railway to break the blockade, denied by the West for any assistance, Dr. Kaunda turned to China for help. The Chinese leaders, despite immense economic hardships at home, agreed to undertake the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway. Over 50,000 engineers and technicians traveled thousands of miles to the Continent of offer their help. 18 of them laid down their lives in Zambia. As China’s largest foreign aid project, TAZARA has left an indelible mark on the history of Africa as our African brothers and sisters fought for independence, freedom and economic growth. It is the best illustration of the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation and a monument of China-Africa friendship. In 2019, Dr. Kaunda attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the TAZARA Memorial Park in Lusaka, where he said people of the two countries would forever remember the time when we stood together and fought. Regrettably, he was not able to be there in 2022 when the Park was opened. But hopefully we will soon be able to cherish his memory in the best way possible, as China, Zambia and Tanzania are currently discussing market-based revitalization of TAZARA, guided by the consensus between our heads of state.

Fairness and justice means never forget the victory over UN Resolution 2758. As the most staunch supporter for China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Dr. Kaunda argued at the UN that it was wrong that there had been no representatives from the People’s Republic of China. On October 25, 1971, Resolution 2758 co-sponsored by Zambia and 22 other countries was adopted by an overwhelming majority at the UN General Assembly, which restored  all China’s lawful rights in the UN. When the announcement was made, Ambassador V. J. Mwaanga, the then Permanent Representative of Zambia to the UN, hugged his African brothers and sisters to celebrate. One month later, the delegation of the People’s Republic of China was present at the UN General Assembly for the first time, when Zambia spoke on behalf of the African group to welcome the Chinese delegation's debut. This is another demonstration of the profound friendship between China and Zambia as we stand together to uphold the common interests of the developing world. The One-China Principle remains an important part of Dr. Kaunda’s political legacy, and continues to be the bedrock of any bilateral relationship China has with the rest of the world.

Progress with the times, openness and inclusiveness means that successive generations of Chinese and Zambian leaders have placed high importance on the all-weather friendship, and provided guidance to make sure that this relationship is always full of life. Having paid eight visits to China in his lifetime, Dr. Kaunda was witness of China’s evolution and China-Zambia friendship. He was dearly welcomed each time he visited, with the last in 2011, when he met with President Xi, the then Vice-President, while the latter hailed him as a founder of China-Zambia and China-Africa friendship and expressed appreciation for his remarkable contribution. With the strategic guidance of President Xi and President Hichilema, our bilateral relationship has been upgraded into a Comprehensive Strategic and Cooperative Partnership, which adds new substance to the traditional friendship. In recent years, the Chinese-built Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and the Kenneth Kaunda Wing of the Mulungushi International Conference Center donated by China have been operational, bearing witness to the organization of major international events in Lusaka and growing regional and global influence of Zambia, as a case in point of the open and inclusive nature of China-Zambia cooperation.

Dr. Kaunda is admired as a founder, witness and practitioner of the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation. As we celebrate his centenary and legacy today, it is our responsibility to look back at where we came from and carry on with Dr. Kaunda’s unfinished work to make sure that this friendship remains a role model of China-Africa relations and South-South cooperation.

Author：Du Xiaohui, Chinese Ambassador