In Zimbabwe it’s hello China, goodbye Britain | Letters
by Letters from on (#38H16)
Zimbabwe is one of many countries where China is acquiring an overseas empire of investment and influence, says Otto Inglis
One aspect of the coup d'etat in Zimbabwe (Chaos in Zimbabwe after Mugabe refuses to resign, 20 November) is highly significant for Britain and the wider world: it has been suggested that shortly before the coup the head of the army, General Constantino Chiwenga, visited China to obtain tacit Chinese government support for the move.
That is a stunning indication of the importance of China to Zimbabwe, especially to its elite, and of the complete eclipse of the influence of Britain as the former colonial power.
Continue reading...