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Chinese envoy arrives in Zambia as another debt crisis looms for Lusaka
- Ambassador Du Xiaohui has no direct role in negotiations with the African country’s Chinese lenders but some hope he can build a bridge
- Du pledges to uphold the spirit of friendship between the two countries as Zambia waits on application for debt relief
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Zambia’s debt troubles will be the biggest headache for the new Chinese ambassador to Lusaka, who arrived on Sunday with a promise to “strengthen the friendly ties the two countries have enjoyed over the years”.
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Du Xiaohui is China’s 16th ambassador to Zambia since diplomatic ties were established in 1964. His predecessor, Li Jie, held the position from 2018.
Du said the “all-weather friendship” between China and Zambia “has stood the test of time and is deeply rooted in the hearts of the two peoples”.
In a statement posted on the embassy website, the new envoy and his colleagues pledged to uphold the spirit of China-Africa friendship and continue to contribute to South-South cooperation and world peace.
Du’s arrival coincides with Zambia’s latest monetary crisis, as it waits for private lenders and the world’s 20 wealthiest nations to decide on its application for debt relief under the G20’s common framework.
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The G20 finance ministers will meet this week during the International Monetary Fund’s spring meeting to discuss the global economy, including the progress of the debt relief scheme.
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