Tanzania, located in East Africa, is regarded as one of the birthplaces of humankind. The Serengeti National Park and Kilimanjaro Mountain are two of its most famous tourist spots. 

Since the country won its independence in the 1960s, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi（CCM）of Tanzania has been its ruling party, and the long-term political stability of Tanzania has won it a reputation as an "oasis of peace" in Africa.

Relations between China and Tanzania have developed in a sound and steady manner since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1964. 

Epoch-making visit

In 2013, President Xi Jinping chose Tanzania as the first stop of his Africa visit after he took office as Chinese President. This demonstrates the significance President Xi attaches to bilateral ties, and his desire to open a new chapter in the two countries' friendship.

During his visit, President Xi delivered an important speech Trustworthy Friends and Sincere Partners Forever at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Center in Dar-es-salaam. The 30-minute speech won 30 rounds of warm applause.

In his speech, President Xi proposed the key principles of China's Africa policy - sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith - charting the course for the development of Sino-Africa relations in the new era.

Time-honored friendship

As an African saying goes, "A river runs deep because of its source". The friendly exchanges between China and Tanzania date back a long time. The traditional friendship between the two countries were forged and deepened by the older generations of Chinese and Tanzanian leaders, such as Chairman Mao Zedong, and President Julius Nyerere. Julius Nyerere visited China more than 10 times, a testimony to his deep friendship for China.

In 1971, China resumed its lawful seat at the United Nations during the 26th UN General Assembly. Chairman Mao observed fondly that it was our African brothers who have carried us into the U.N. 

Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim was dedicated to developing Sino-Tanzania and Sino-Africa relations when he served as Foreign Minister, Prime Minister of Tanzania and Secretary General of the Organization of African Unity (predecessor to the African Union). 

President Xi awarded Dr. Salim the "Friendship Medal" in 2019, an event marking 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. He is the only African national to have won this honor.

More and more Tanzanians have taken up the relay baton from elder generation of Tanzanian leaders like Mwalimu Nyerere and Dr. Salim. In 2008, when the Beijing Olympic torch relay reached Dar-es-Salaam, local Tanzanians celebrated the occasion as if it's their own festival.

Friendship monument

In the 1960s, despite financial difficulties, China helped the Tanzanian people build the Tanzania-Zambia Railway, nicknamed the Uhuru Railway or freedom railway. It has not only lent support to the national liberation struggles in Southern Africa, but also erected a monument for Sino-Africa friendship.

Tanzania has actively participated in the construction of the Belt and Road, and more and more Chinese enterprises are seeking development opportunities in Tanzania, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples. 

In 2016, the Nyerere Bridge built by a Chinese enterprise was opened to traffic. It is the largest cable-stayed cross-sea bridge in East Africa. 

Inter-party exchanges

Even mountains and seas cannot distance people with common aspirations. Since the launch of reform and opening-up in China, the Communist Party of China (CPC) has engaged with political parties of all kinds around the world.

In 1978, the CCM was among the first to send a delegation to China and built close ties with the CPC. Since President Xi's visit in 2013, inter-party relations have developed fast with the personal attention and support of the two parties' leaders.

The year 2018 was special in the history of the two parties' relations. Thanks to the concerted efforts of the CPC and the CCM, the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-level Meeting Africa Thematic Event was held in Tanzania, the first time the event was held outside China. Nearly 200 delegates of the CPC and 38 parties from 36 African countries shared their views on common concerns. 

Following the COVID-19 outbreak in China, leaders of the CCM sent a message of solidarity to the CPC immediately. And after confirmed cases of COVID-19 were first reported in Tanzania, the CPC shared its epidemic-control experience with the CCM without reservation, which was highly commended by the Tanzanian ruling party. 

As long as the two sides can grasp opportunities, and value what we have achieved, the cooperation between the CPC and the CCM will become closer, and show endless vitality.

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)