Zimbabwe: The New Australia for China?
Eddie Cross, a former Member of Parliament, economic advisor to President Mnangagwa, and author of the president’s official biography, has sparked a heated debate by comparing Zimbabwe’s relationship with China to Australia’s role as a resource supplier. Drawing parallels between the two nations’ dependence on Chinese demand for raw materials, Cross warns that Zimbabwe is becoming a vital cog in China’s industrial machine while receiving limited benefits in return.
In an article published on his website, Cross provided a detailed critique of Chinese activities in Zimbabwe, raising concerns about their environmental, economic, and social impact. His close relationship with the president and deep understanding of Zimbabwean politics lend significant weight to his assertions.
“I was astonished to hear the other day that there are now over 85,000 Chinese nationals living in Zimbabwe,” he wrote. “They are not migrants; they all want to go home eventually. What on earth are they doing here?”
His statements have ignited public discourse, with many applauding his boldness and others questioning his claims.
“The New Australia?”
In his article, Cross explained how Zimbabwe mirrors Australia’s role as a raw material supplier for China’s industrial ambitions.
“They have targeted us for raw materials for the industrial monster at home. We have the largest iron ore deposits in the world, plenty of limestone and coal, and the best chrome deposits globally,” he stated.
While the influx of Chinese investment has bolstered Zimbabwe’s export earnings, Cross criticised the lack of local value addition.
“We applaud them because shortly we will be exporting 5 million tonnes of lithium concentrate annually to China. But we’re missing the fact that it might contain other minerals worth many times more,” he added.
Environmental and Economic Concerns
Cross expressed alarm at the environmental impact of Chinese mining operations in Zimbabwe.
“They ignore environmental regulations and leave behind a moonscape of countryside,” he stated, likening the aftermath to a “World War I battlefield.”
He also pointed to the Marange diamond fields, where an estimated $30 billion worth of raw diamonds has been mined since 2008.
“The people of Marange still wallow in poverty. The active diamond fields do not have a single kilometre of tarred road,” Cross lamented.
Saviour Kasukuwere, a prominent Zimbabwean politician, echoed Cross’s concerns. On Twitter, he said,
“Leaders have a duty to protect and superintend national interests. Eddie Cross’s article requires attention and a sober conversation.”
A Call for Balance
Cross emphasised the need for Zimbabwe to re-evaluate its relationship with China, urging transparency and fair agreements.
“We must get back full value for our exports to China. Our relationship must be carefully balanced,” he wrote.
He concluded,
“The rape and pillage of our resources for marginal results simply cannot be allowed to continue.”
With his background as an economic advisor and his role in crafting Mnangagwa’s biography, Cross’s remarks have intensified the national debate on the nature of Zimbabwe-China relations.
Full Article: What is the Chinese Motivation in Zimbabwe
(Excerpt from Eddie Cross’s article, published 29th December 2024)
I was astonished to hear the other day that there are now over 85,000 Chinese nationals living in Zimbabwe. I questioned this estimate and was told no, it’s real. What on earth are they doing here? They are not migrants; they all want to go home eventually. Many have their families back in China and go back regularly. They are here to work? Why?
Then it dawned on me, we are the new Australia. They have targeted us for raw materials for the industrial monster at home. We have lots of targets – the largest iron ore deposits in the world, plenty of limestone and coal so we can make steel. They need to move steel production away from China to avoid US and European trade restrictions and to move dirty, polluting industry to the pristine blue skies of Africa.
