Former Zambian President Kaunda Visits China

At the invitation of the CPAFFC, former Zambian President Kenneth David Kaunda paid a visit to China from November 11 to 17, 2009, during which he took the opportunity to visit the former home of the late Chairman Mao Zedong, where he fondly recalled the great help and advice he received from his “elder brother” the founder of the PRC.

An important purpose of the visit to Beijing was to receive theChina- Africa Friendship Award conferred upon him by the CPAFFC and the Chinese-African People’s Friendship Association (CAPFA). Abdul’ahat Abdurixit, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and President of the CAPFA, presented him a cup and accompanying certificate.

Jia Qinglin, Chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC, met with and entertained him at the Diaoyutai State Guest House. The former president also attended a reception held by the CPAFFC in celebration of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Zambia, before making a special journey of remembrance to Shaoshan in Hunan Province to visit the Memorial Hall and the former residence of Chairman Mao.

Visit to Shaoshan

During his meeting with Zhou Qiang, Governor of Hunan Province, he recalled with emotion his meeting with Chairman Mao in 1974. At the meeting, Mrs. Kaunda made an African courtesy act of bending her knees to Chairman Mao who returned her courtesy expressing his great respect for the African people. Chairman Mao, 31 years his senior, was like a caring elder brother, recalled Kaunda, talking to him about the “three worlds” theory. Mao generously granted Zambia’s request that China help build the Tanzania-Zambia Railway and gave active support to the African people’s just cause for national independence and liberation. Kaunda went on to say that it was out of his great respect for Chairman Mao that he had declared on many occasions at international meetings that the Government of the PRC was the sole legitimate government representing China, and Taiwan was an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. It was also on this basis that he decided to establish diplomatic relations with China only five days after Zambia won independence. He would forever be proud of this decision.

Kaunda placed a basket of flowers in front of Chairman Mao’s bronze statue in Shaoshan. Standing in front of the statue in a light drizzle, he spoke to the visitors who gathered around him spontaneously, praising Chairman Mao as the great leader of the Chinese people and the people of the world as well. Chairman Mao’s great achievements and significant contributions would go down in history. The Chairman and his comrades gave the African people selfless help and assistance in their common struggle against colonialism, contributing to the independence of African countries. Now Africa-China relations had entered a historical period of all-round development. The Chinese leaders of the new generation were pushing China-Africa friendship forward. Chairman Mao’s internationalist spirit was being carried forward and he deserved the respect and admiration from the people around the world forever.

In the Memorial Hall, among the pictures exhibited, he saw the picture taken in Chairman Mao’s study during his meeting on February 22, 1974. Lingering in front of it, Kaunda seemed to have returned to that moment 35 years before. An accompanying reporter of Hunan TV Station asked him to say something about his impressions at that moment. Kaunda said with deep feelings that no words could express his admiration for Chairman Mao. He hoped that China would forever go along the path pioneered by this founder and his comrades-in-arms.

In front of Chairman Mao’s former residence, Kaunda said to the crowds of visitors: “Thank you for coming to visit the place where this great man was born and grew up. We shall forever cherish the memory of him.” Kaunda asked the visitors to chant aloud together with him in English: “One China, one Chairman Mao.” All the visitors on the site were affected by his emotion and were visibly moved.

The visit to Shaoshan realized his long-cherished wish and fully reflected his boundless love for Chairman Mao and the Chinese people.

On China-Zambia and China-Africa Relations

In Beijing, Chairman Jia Qinglin congratulated Kaunda on receiving the China-Africa Friendship Award and said that he thoroughly deserved it. In the past 45 years since the establishment of China-Zambia diplomatic relations, bilateral relations had seen all-round development with frequent exchanges of high-level visits and fruitful cooperation in various fields. China appreciates the Zambian Government’s resolute support for its stand on the Taiwan and human rights issues. China was willing to work together with Zambia to promote bilateral relations to a new stage.

Jia stressed that China always values its traditional friendship with African countries including Zambia. To develop friendly and cooperative relations with African countries had always been an important content of China’s diplomacy. China would continue to follow the basic principle of “sincerity, friendship and equality, solidarity and cooperation, common development and looking into the future” to strengthen and develop friendship and cooperation with Africa.

Jia praised Kaunda as an African statesman of the older generation who had played an important role in the struggle for Zambia’s national independence and made great contributions to the national liberation of Southern Africa. On behalf of the Chinese Government and people, he expressed admiration and gratitude to Kaunda for his efforts to develop Zambia-China and Africa-China friendship.

Kaunda said it was his seventh visit to China. The moment he set foot on the Chinese soil, he noticed the great changes and achievements China had made. He expressed his appreciation of the Chinese Government for its long-term selfless support and aid to Zambia and other African countries. China was an all-weather friend of the African people and he believed that in the new period Africa-China friendly and cooperative relations would develop further.