On May 2, 2012, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi held talks with his visiting Zambian counterpart Given Lubinda in Beijing.

Yang extended welcome for Lubinda's visit, which is his first visit to China since he took office as foreign minister. China-Zambia friendship has a long history, said Yang. The two countries have adhered to the principles of sincere friendship, equal treatment and non-interference in each other's internal affairs and Chinese-Zambian relations have maintained healthy and stable development since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1964, Yang said, noting the two sides have expanded exchanges at various levels, explored pragmatic cooperation rapidly and maintained close coordination in international affairs. Since taking office, President Sata has repeatedly praised the contributions China-Zambia cooperation has made to Zambia's economic development and emphasized the importance of furthering bilateral ties, which China appreciates. Yang told Lubinda that China is ready to work with Zambia to push friendly cooperative relations between the two countries to a new level.

China is a good friend of Zambia, Lubinda said, adding that it has offered long-term support to Zambia's cause of national liberation and provided valuable support for Zambia's national development. The Tanzania-Zambia Railway is a monument of friendship between the two countries. President Sata and the Zambian government will firmly adhere to the one-China policy, said Lubinda. Zambia is committed to further consolidating and developing the traditional friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation based on mutual respect and mutual trust.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.