China’s security force assistance in Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe and its implications for peacebuilding

Abstract

This article examines the peacebuilding implications of Chinese military support to Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe. It is based on primary and secondary sources. The article mainly argues that China’s security force assistance in Zimbabwe, premised on the security-development approach, shows that the country allows African agency in its international aid with both positive and negative consequences on peacebuilding. It found that Chinese security force assistance in Zimbabwe was in the form of arms and related technology transfers, and human resources and capacity development programmes. Although China’s security force assistance in Zimbabwe has largely impinged on peacebuilding, it also supported it.