China has issued a strong warning against foreign interference in Tanzania following the country’s highly contested general elections held late last year.
China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, made the remarks on Saturday in a statement released at the end of his official visit to Tanzania. He congratulated the East African nation on what he described as the “successful conduct” of the legislative and presidential polls, reaffirming Beijing’s confidence in Tanzania’s leadership.
“China reiterates its full confidence in Tanzania’s leadership and institutions to independently manage their internal affairs,” the statement said, while stressing Beijing’s firm support for the country’s national sovereignty and security.
Controversial Election Outcome
Tanzania’s October elections returned President Samia Suluhu Hassan to office with 98 percent of the vote, in a process that excluded her main political challengers. The outcome has been widely criticised by opposition groups and international observers, who described the polls as deeply flawed and lacking credibility.
Despite the controversy, Wang Yi, who held talks with President Hassan during his visit, made no reference to reports of post-election violence that have strained Tanzania’s relations with Western countries.
Opposition figures claim that at least 2,000 people were killed by security forces in the aftermath of the elections. These allegations, coupled with reports from international observers that the polls were fraudulent, have drawn condemnation from several Western governments.
China Backs Tanzania, Expands Economic Ties
China, however, has doubled down on its support for Tanzania, positioning itself as a key diplomatic and economic ally. Wang Yi pledged to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, highlighting a significant increase in trade between both countries over the past five years.
Tanzania has emerged as a major destination for Chinese investment, particularly in its low-tax special economic zones. According to Tanzanian authorities, 343 Chinese-funded projects valued at $3.1 billion were registered in 2025 alone, reflecting Beijing’s expanding footprint in the country’s economy.
Africa Tour Continues
Following his visit to Tanzania, Wang Yi is set to continue his African tour in Lesotho, where relations with the United States have reportedly been strained by new US tariffs. Analysts say China’s diplomatic outreach underscores its growing influence across Africa, especially at a time when tensions between African states and Western powers are on the rise
