1.Bilateral Political Relations
The People's Republic of China and the Republic of Zambia established diplomatic relations on October 29, 1964. Zambia is the first country in southern Africa to establish diplomatic relations with China. The two countries have a profound traditional friendship and their bilateral friendly and cooperative relations are constantly developing.
During the Kaunda administration (1964-1991), China actively supported the Zambian government's struggle to consolidate its political independence and oppose Western colonial control. The Tanzania-Zambia Railway built with Chinese assistance has become a monument to China-Zambia and China-Africa friendship. President Kaunda visited China 4 times during his term and called China "a reliable all-weather friend".
In September 2023, President Hichilema paid a state visit to China, and the two heads of state announced that China-Zambia relations be upgraded to a comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership. On September 4, 2024, President Xi Jinping met with President Hichilema, who came to China to attend the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. On the same day, President Xi Jinping, President Hichilema and Tanzanian President Hassan jointly witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Revitalization. On October 29, 2024, President Xi Jinping and President Hichilema exchanged congratulatory messages on the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Zambia.
In recent years, the two countries have conducted frequent high-level exchanges. The main Chinese officials who have visited Zambia include: Wang Yi, Foreign Minister (2017)；Wang Yong, State Councilor (2017); Yang Jiechi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and Director of the Office of Commission for Foreign Affairs of the CPC Central Committee(February 2021).
The main Zambia officials who have visited China include: in September 2023, President Hakainde Hichilema paid a state visit to China. In September 2024, President Hichilema attended the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Mulambo Hamakuni Haimbe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation(July 2024). Nelly Mutti, The Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia(October 2024). Batuke Imenda, Secretary General of the United Party for National Development (October 2024).
2. Bilateral Economic and Trade Relations and Economic and Technical Cooperation
China and Zambia have carried out economic and trade cooperation on the principle of equality and mutual benefit. In recent years, the cooperation has been deepening and more practical. In 1986, the two countries established a joint economic and trade committee. In 1996, the two countries signed an agreement on the mutual encouragement and reciprocal protection of investment. In 2010, the two countries signed an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation. The Zambia-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, which is the first economic and trade cooperation zone of China in Africa, was unveiled in February 2007. During the year of 2024，which was the China-Zambia Economic and Trade Year, a series of joint projects between the two countries were completed.
From December 1, 2024, China decided to offer zero-tariff treatment on 100 percent products from Zambia. In 2024, the trade volume between the two countries was US$6.681 billion, a year-on-year increase of 26.1%, of which China's imports were US$5.273 billion and China's exports were US$1.408 billion.
3. Exchanges in culture, education, health, etc.
China and Zambia have carried out various forms of cooperation in the fields of culture, education, health care, science and technology, and have achieved fruitful results. The two countries have signed cultural agreements. Since 1978, China has sent 25 batches of medical teams to Zambia with a total of 687 person-times. In 2010, Hebei University of Economics and Business cooperated with the University of Zambia to establish the Confucius Institute at the University of Zambia. During the year of 2024, which is the China-Zambia Cultural and Tourism Year, the two countries have held a variety of cultural exchange activities.
4. Important Bilateral Agreements and Documents
Agreement Between The Government of The People’s Republic of China And The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania And The Republic of Zambia on The Construction of The Tanzania/Zambia Railway (1967)
Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Zambia on Cooperation Within the Framework of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative (2018)
Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Zambia on Establishing the Comprehensive Strategic and Cooperative Partnership (2023)