Abstract:
ABSTRACT
Between the years 2000-2009, Zimbabwe experienced the worst socio-economic and
political challenges in its post- independence history. The period saw a spiral downfall of
the economy in the midst of an increasingly unstable political landscape. As a result of
the deteriorating economic environment and a worsening human rights record,
Zimbabwe’s traditional aid donors and trading partners from the West began to disengage
from the country, withdrawing their commercial and political support. In the midst of
Western isolation and sanctions, China increased its stakes in Zimbabwe. China does not
interfere in her partners’ domestic affairs hence she snubbed Western calls to put pressure
on the Zimbabwean government for political and economic reforms. Thus, China offered
both economic and political support in various forms to the Mugabe administration.
China provided Zimbabwe with several trading arrangements, aid, loans, investments and
as well as diplomatic support in the United Nations Security Council during the crisis
period. The study explains the post-2000 nature of China’s increased engagement with
Zimbabwe and explores the economic and political effects resulting from this close
interaction. The study revealed that China’s support was important to bail out the
Zimbabwean government against Western sanctions despite failing short of preventing
the deterioration of the country’s political and economic situation.
