China Donates Armored Vehicles, Trucks & Weapons to Zimbabwe

China has donated a substantial quantity of armored vehicles, trucks, boats, and weapons to Zimbabwe, according to an announcement by President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.

Large quantities of armored vehicles, trucks, boats & weapons have been donated by China to Zimbabwe, Mnangagwa confirmed on X.

The donation was formally presented at the Inkomo Mechanized Brigade by the Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, who underscored the historical ties between the two nations. Mnangagwa expressed gratitude towards the Chinese Government, characterizing China as a reliable and consistent friend.

The Zimbabwean military is now in possession of an array of new Chinese armored vehicles, constituting a significant portion of the aid provided by the People's Republic of China. President Mnangagwa acknowledged the transfer, emphasizing the collaborative effort.

The package of donations encompasses combat armored vehicles, armored personnel carriers, ambulances, motorized water purifiers, patrol boats, minibuses, as well as small arms such as sniper rifles, machine guns, and pistols. Notably, China also transferred self-propelled anti-tank installations, including the WMA301, equipped with a new 105-mm cannon capable of firing both BOPS and anti-tank guided missiles.

Zimbabwe also received a batch of WZ-551 armored personnel carriers of various versions. Currently in service with several countries, the WMA301 is part of China's strategic efforts to strengthen its influence in Africa.

The Chinese initiative appears to be part of a broader strategy, with China actively engaging African nations through projects like the "Society of One Destiny" initiative. This move aims to secure loyalty from local elites and establish a foothold in key political and economic spheres across Africa.

This recent event follows a pattern seen earlier this year when the Ethiopian National Defense Forces armed themselves with Chinese 155-mm SH15 artillery installations in January.