China rejects foreign interference in Tanzania and supports its sovereignty
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed his country's unwavering support for Tanzania's sovereignty, expressing Beijing's firm opposition to any form of foreign interference in the internal affairs of the East African nation. This came at the conclusion of a significant official visit by the Chinese minister to Dar es Salaam on Saturday, a visit that took place at a highly sensitive time following the political events that unfolded in the country in late 2015.
Political support in the face of Western pressure
Wang Yi's visit is of exceptional importance as it is the first by a high-ranking foreign official since the outbreak of protests following the parliamentary and presidential elections on October 29. While Tanzanian authorities have faced sharp criticism from Western countries, most notably the United States, which announced a comprehensive review of its relations with Dar es Salaam due to what it described as the repression of the opposition, China has chosen a completely different path.
Authorities in Dar es Salaam quoted the Chinese minister as congratulating Tanzania on the "smooth conduct of the elections," emphasizing that China reiterates its full confidence in the ability of the Tanzanian leadership and its national institutions to manage the country's affairs independently, free from external dictates. This stance reinforces China's diplomatic doctrine of "non-interference," which Beijing considers a cornerstone of its relations with developing countries.
Economic and strategic partnership
China's support for Tanzania is not limited to the political sphere; it rests on a solid and growing economic foundation. Tanzania is a key hub in China's strategy toward East Africa and a vital part of its Belt and Road Initiative. This cooperation has manifested in massive investments; in the past year alone, Beijing funded 343 projects with a total value of $3.1 billion, focusing particularly on low-tax economic zones.
In an official statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry affirmed its support for Tanzania's "successful and appropriate development path," noting that political stability is key to sustainable economic development. Observers believe this economic and political support aims to fill any vacuum that might be left by Western countries as a result of strained relations, thereby strengthening Beijing's influence in the region.
African tour and geopolitical changes
The visit to Tanzania is part of a broader African tour by the Chinese Foreign Minister, which included Ethiopia and is scheduled to extend to Lesotho. Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in Somalia announced the postponement of a planned visit to Mogadishu, citing scheduling changes. This reflects the dynamic nature of Chinese diplomacy in Africa and its commitment to strengthening both its traditional and new alliances.
