China-Zambia engagements: is there change, what has changed and why?

This paper examines China-Zambia bilateral relations from a historical perspective. In particular, it looks at how these relations have been changing in emphasis from the pre-independence era to the present and the factors associated with these changes. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to collect data. Secondary data were mainly collected from government reports, while qualitative data were collected from some key informants using in-depth interviews. The discussion and analysis is informed by the pentagonal analytical framework. The findings demonstrate that bilateral relations been the two countries have been changing but only in emphasis; from the pre-independence period, which was characterized by support for the liberation of Zambia, through the provision of development aid immediately afterward, and now to the current focus on trade and investment, which is more economic in orientation. It has also been frequently argued that the contracting process for loans should be more transparent so that it is inclusive and not just left to the executive arm of government without involving the national assembly. In order for Zambia to benefit from this engagement the country needs good leadership, but this has been lacking until recently.