May 22, 2008

Q: Some African media said that China's cargo ship 'An Yue Jiang' had arrived in Zimbabwe, and that the Zimbabwe Government had confirmed receiving the goods. Meanwhile, China denies such a thing. Have you had any communication with Zimbabwe?

Spokesperson Qin Gang : As we have said on many occasions, relevant military goods will be shipped back by 'An Yue Jiang', which is now on its way home. Relevant report is utterly groundless.

 

May 8, 2008:

Q: It is reported that ship 'An Yue Jiang' unloaded some arms in Angola. Can you confirm?

Spokesperson Qin Gang: It is utterly groundless rumor. COSCO's ship 'An Yue Jiang' 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?

Spokesperson Jiang Yu: 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?

Spokesperson Jiang Yu: 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.