The strong relationship has soured in recent months thanks to controversial policies from Zimbabwe’s leader.On August 3, 2016, China pledged $46 million toward the construction of a new Zimbabwean parliament. According to Zimbabwean state media outlets, China’s parliament construction pledge was a “gift” to Zimbabwe, as Chinese officials believed that Zimbabwe’s current parliament was too small for its lawmakers to work in effectively.
China’s decision to fund Zimbabwe’s parliament construction follows a string of large business contracts signed between Beijing and Harare. In recent weeks, China has opened its markets to Zimbabwean farm products, expanded its investments in Zimbabwe’s housing and agriculture sectors, and lent Zimbabwe money to upgrade its medical equipment in inner-city hospitals. Read more
