More on China and Zimbabwe

Speculation continues that China may have had a hand in — or at least approved — the gentle coup that took place in Zimbabwe. To us, it’s not credible that China initiated it, but it is very likely that Constantino Guveya Chiwenga — head of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces — ran it by his friends in Beijing when he visited in early November.

Some relevant reporting:

• Quartz asks: Did China approve of Zimbabwe’s coup? 
• The Guardian asks: Zimbabwe: Was Mugabe’s fall a result of China flexing its muscle? To which we would answer: No.
• The South China Morning Post reports: How Chinese living in Zimbabwe reacted to Mugabe’s downfall: ‘It’s the most hopeful moment in 20 years’.

• Propaganda and Western values
  China minister warns against seduction of values by Western nations / Reuters
• Troubles on the Belt and Road
  China’s ‘no comment’ on Pak pull out of CPEC project / Times of India
• U.S.-China relations
  Donald Trump claimed China has agreed its “freeze for freeze” approach to North Korea is unacceptable—but it hasn’t / Quartz
• Taiwan and Panama
  Xi Jinping hails Panama leader as a hero for cutting links with Taiwan in favour of mainland China / SCMP
• North Korea
  China’s special envoy meets closest aide of North Korean leader / SCMP