China Warns Against Foreign Interference in Tanzania

BEIJING: China’s top diplomat Wang Yi has cautioned against foreign interference in Tanzania’s internal affairs during the conclusion of his official visit to the East African nation, whose ties with Western countries have deteriorated in recent months.

Wang became the first foreign minister to visit Tanzania since the deadly crackdown on election protests that followed the October 29 presidential and parliamentary elections, which international observers described as flawed. Tanzanian opposition groups claim that at least 2,000 people were killed during the unrest, allegations that have drawn widespread global condemnation.

Despite heavy Chinese investment in Tanzania, Beijing refrained from commenting on the violence. Instead, a statement issued by Tanzanian authorities said Wang congratulated the country on what he described as the “successful conduct” of the elections and reaffirmed China’s confidence in Tanzania’s leadership to manage its domestic affairs independently.

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In a separate statement, China’s foreign ministry stressed that Beijing strongly opposes any external forces interfering in Tanzania’s internal matters and reiterated its support for the country’s sovereignty and national security.

Wang is expected to continue his African tour with a visit to Lesotho, where recent US tariffs have strained relations with Washington. Meanwhile, he skipped a planned stop in Somalia, which would have been the first visit by a Chinese foreign minister since the country’s state collapse in 1991, amid regional sensitivities following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.