guest column:Christine Matinanga A MARRIAGE built on rocks does not last. The Lome Agreement of 1975 between European Economic Community and African Caribbean and Pacific countries is a typical example to China-Zimbabwe relations that any alliance made is not made in good faith but rather to create benefits. China and Zimbabwe have been “married” for over four decades thus their relations have been coined by many as the microcosm of China-Africa relations. Zimbabwe’s isolation from the Western markets has caused China to become its primary ally in recent years. The problem with China-Zimbabwe relations stems from the fact that it seems as if one party is benefiting more than the other. Indeed China has offered a lot of aid and investments but has Zimbabwe really benefited? Over the past 40 years major projects like the expansion of the Kariba South Hydro Power Station, financing Zimbabwe’s local cotton production, building of the new Parliament in Mt Hampden, Mahusekwa Hospital and National Defence University among others are an indication of China’s willingness to develop Zimbabwe. However, is the aid out of good faith? For a marriage to mature, it should be based on principles and trust and lack of such nexus between the two renders this matrimony shaky. The relations seem to be rather strategic rather than out of good faith. China seeks to benefit from raw materials and agricultural products like tobacco which are scarce in China while in Zimbabwe the elite seeks to benefit from the national purse. This has caused opposition parties in Zimbabwe to criticise Chinese influence and accuse the government of giving away minerals and other natural resources in exchange for aid. Zimbabwe continues to sign opaque contracts and investment treaties with China as most contracts are being given to Chinese companies while most local companies are closing. The covert intentions of Chinese activities in Zimbabwe can be seen through the way the Chinese ship all the profits back to their country and by employing Chinese nationals instead of locals. Thus from a developmental perspective, Chinese development is closely associated with development of the underdeveloped countries with the other countries playing a subservient role. When problems arise in a marriage, divorce is not the only option. In the China-Zimbabwe case pulling away from China is not the only solution but rather Zimbabwe needs to stop depending heavily on China. Zimbabwe should learn from the failure of Esaps that foreign aid should not be relied upon especially aid that comes with conditions. Chinese aid either comes in the form of infrastructure development or loans that are directed to a specific project. The most pressing question that arises is whether the help is a nefarious subversion masked in ultrism. Zimbabwe is rich in natural resources, a factor that attracted not only China but most Western countries. The problem is Zimbabwe is keen to give away raw materials for aid. It is alleged that China looted the Chiadzwa Diamonds which caused the $15 billion