China and Tanzania Celebrate 60 Years of Growing Partnership
This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Tanzania, a milestone that celebrates decades of deepening friendship and fruitful cooperation. Over the past six decades, the two nations have forged a strong bond, working together to promote development and prosperity for their peoples.
One of the most enduring symbols of this partnership is the Tanzania-Zambia Railway, a monumental project completed in the 1970s with China’s assistance. This railway not only connected landlocked Zambia to the Tanzanian port of Dar es Salaam but also stands as a testament to the spirit of mutual respect, resilience, and selfless dedication shared by China and Tanzania. It paved the way for continued collaboration and set a precedent for South-South cooperation.
Under the guidance of their leaders, China and Tanzania have maintained strong ties, engaging in high-level exchanges and strengthening strategic coordination. In 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Tanzania, where he outlined the principles of China’s Africa policy: “sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith.” These principles have since guided China’s cooperation with developing countries across the continent.
The relationship reached a new high in 2022 when Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan visited China. During this visit, both nations agreed to elevate their relationship to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, signaling a commitment to deeper collaboration in various sectors.
Economically, Tanzania is one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, and China has played a significant role in this growth. China has been Tanzania’s largest trading partner for eight consecutive years. In 2023, the bilateral trade volume reached $8.78 billion, marking a 5.66 percent increase from the previous year. Additionally, China is the largest source of foreign investment in Tanzania, with around 260 projects contributing to the East African nation’s development.
The cooperation between the two countries spans multiple fields, including infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and trade. These collaborative efforts have yielded tangible benefits, improving the livelihoods of people in both nations and setting a strong foundation for future endeavors.
As China and Tanzania look ahead, their partnership serves as a model for international cooperation. By continuing to work together, they demonstrate the power of solidarity and mutual support in achieving shared goals and fostering sustainable development.
Reference(s):
China-Tanzania: 60 years developing together, sharing joy and sorrow
cgtn.com
