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Chinese Premier Makes Landmark Visit to Zambia After 28 Years

Chinese Premier Makes HistoricLandmark Visit to Zambia After 28 Years

Above: Chinese Premier Li Qiang looks on during a signing ceremony with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon (not pictured) at Government House on June 13, 2024 in Wellington, New Zealand. Image credit: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

The Spin

Li Qiang's historic visit to Zambia highlights a partnership that has matured into a benchmark for South–South cooperation. Guided by a broad strategic agenda, the relationship has delivered visible and lasting gains. A 100-megawatt solar plant strengthens energy security, revitalisedrevitalized railway corridors connect regional markets, and sustained investment flows help transform Zambia into a transport and logistics hub. This is development shaped by shared priorities rather than imposed conditions.

China’s premier arrives in Zambia under the shadow of a mounting reputational crisis, hoping that a carefully staged diplomatic ceremony will soften public outrage over a massive toxic waste spill that contaminated vital waterways and fuelled nationwide anger. With $5.7 billion in debt leverage on the line and Western rivals steadily regaining influence, Beijing scrambles to preserve its hold on Zambia’s mineral wealth, presenting geopolitical anxiety as goodwill and long-term partnership.

Metaculus Prediction

There is a 66.7 percent chance that Xi Jinping will continue leading China in 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.


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© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0

© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0