Beijing, October 25th—Qian Hongshan, Vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), held a group meeting here today at request with diplomatic envoys of nine Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries to China, including Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwean Ambassador to China Martin Chedondo briefed on sanctions against Zimbabwe by the United States and Western countries, and hoped that China would continue to support Zimbabwe’s efforts to seek lifting sanctions. Mbelwa Brighton Kairuki, Head of the diplomatic corps of SADC countries in China and Tanzanian Ambassador to China, thanked the Chinese side’s long-term adherence to a just stance and for supporting SADC countries’ efforts to promote the lifting of sanctions against Zimbabwe. He hoped to send a message on to the IDCPC on the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day on October 25th, and asked the CPC to promote Western countries to lift sanctions against Zimbabwe by giving play to its influence.

Qian said, China feels the pain of Zimbabwe, has always firmly supported the Zimbabwean government in opposing external disturbances and in following the path of independent development. China supports the SADC’s legitimate demands for lifting sanctions against Zimbabwe, and is willing to call for such action in a proper manner.

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