By Burnett Munthali
Vice President Jane Ansah hosted Her Excellency Lu Xu, China’s Ambassador to Malawi, at Capital Hill in a meeting focused on enhancing bilateral relations and deepening strategic cooperation.
During the engagement, Ansah conveyed President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s gratitude for China’s recent message of goodwill and its recognition of Malawi’s democratic progress. She highlighted the longstanding friendship between the two nations, which has grown steadily since diplomatic relations were established in 2007.
The Vice President acknowledged China’s support in critical sectors such as health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and human resource development, and discussed Malawi’s immediate economic recovery priorities. Under the 4Fs and M framework—covering food security, fertilizer, fuel, foreign exchange, and medicines—she emphasized the need for rapid results in the first 90 days of the current administration and sought China’s continued support in these areas.
China’s recent commitment to cancel USD 20 million in debt and provide emergency food assistance was warmly welcomed, with Ansah noting that this will help alleviate challenges faced by many Malawian households.
The two leaders explored opportunities for future collaboration across a broad range of sectors, including mining, energy, rural electrification, irrigation, mechanisation, agro-processing, tourism, and manufacturing. Ansah also encouraged Chinese investors to explore Malawi’s economic potential and benefit from the country’s zero-tariff export window.
Education, science, technology, and vocational training featured prominently in the discussions, as key drivers for empowering Malawi’s youth and preparing them for the demands of the modern economy. The Vice President reaffirmed Malawi’s commitment to the 2025–2027 Beijing Action Plan under FOCAC and its ongoing engagement with the Belt and Road Initiative.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of Malawi’s adherence to the One-China Principle, recognizing the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing all of China.
