Mugabe may Seek China Aid to Revive Economy

The Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe met the Chinese met Chinese Premier Xi Jinping in Beijing on Monday. His visit is seen as move to seek financial aid from their ally to revive an ailing economy.

Mugabe, who went to China upon invitation, received a 21 gun salute at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, according toThe Independent.

"Your Excellency is a renowned leader of the African national liberation movement," Xi said and called Mugabe as an old friend of Chinese people.

 "The traditional friendship between China and Zimbabwe was forged in the glorious years when we stood shoulder to shoulder against imperialism, colonialism and hegemony," Xi said.

Mugabe is likely to ask for financial aid from China and also a rescue package as his country's economy is in doldrums.  Recession has taken its tolls on the country. Factories are shut down and deflation has taken hold, reports The Sydney Morning Herald.

"Mugabe's trip to China is to seek a last financial lifeline for his regime," said Martyn Davies, chief executive officer of Johannesburg-based Frontier Advisory.

In January, the Zimbabwe finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa had visited China. He was asked to come up with a plan that is financially viable and which can be presented to the authorities.

While investing, China often insists on providing jobs to Chinese and also demands profits from state- run firms. President Mugabe of Zimbabwe does not have a good human rights records but China is not bothered about such concerns, reports the BBC.

"China is willing to join hands with Zimbabwe, enhance friendly exchanges, and expand practical co-operation," said Xi after meeting Mugabe.

The two countries assured closer ties in infrastructure projects, mining and trade and agriculture, the Chinese state media Xinhua reported, according to BBC.

The western counties have accused Mugabe of indulging in violence and fraud during the elections . His capturing of land owned by white farmers has also not gone down well with them.

US President Obama had not invited Mugabe and four other African leaders to the Africa summit earlier this month.

However, Zimbabwe's relation with China has always been and Chinese vice Premier Wang Yang made a two day official visit to Zimbabwe in May 2013, reports The Sydney Morning Herald.