May 8, 2008

Q: It is reported that ship "Anyuejiang" unloaded some arms in Angola. Can you confirm?

A: It is utterly groundless rumor. COSCO's ship "Anyuejiang" called in Angola and unloaded the goods destined to be delivered there. There is nothing beyond normal business. As for the weapons scheduled to be delivered to Zimbabwe, we have explained on many occasions, due to the reason on the Zimbabwe side, COSCO decided to ship back the weapons and it is out of the question they will be unloaded midway.

 

April 24, 2008

Q: You just mentioned China's arms sales to Africa, could you update us on the arms sales to Zimbabwe?

A: I expounded on China's position on this issue at the last briefing. According to my knowledge, relevant Chinese company has decided to ship back the cargo that was due to deliver to Zimbabwe.

 

April 22,2008

Q: According to reports, China is selling weapons to Zimbabwe. Could you confirm? If it's true, why is China doing so? It is also reported that Chinese soldiers are seen on the streets of Zimbabwe. Could you give us more details about this?

A: According to my knowledge, COSCO was contracted by a Chinese company to deliver some weapons to Zimbabwe, which are part of the normal arms trade between China and Zimbabwe. The relevant contract was signed last year and has nothing to do with the latest developments inside Zimbabwe. As far as I know, it is universal practice to deliver goods to inland South African countries through the Port of Durban in South Africa. Since the Zimbabwe side could not receive the goods as scheduled, COSCO could not unload at Durban Port and is considering shipping back the goods.

I'd like to stress that the Chinese Government always adopts a prudent and responsible attitude towards arms export and one of the important principles it adheres to is non-interference in the internal affairs of recipient countries. We hope relevant side not to politicize this issue.

On your second question, according to my knowledge, several Chinese professors are teaching at Zimbabwean military schools. What you mentioned might be some teaching activities conducted by the schools.