Historical and Current Status of China-Africa in Economic and Cultural Exchanges: A Case Study of the Chinese Hongyu Company in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Since the 2nd century BC, the Chinese have gradually blazed the famous “Silk Road” on land, promoting the integrational and common development of Eastern and Western civilizations. The Tong Dian (completed in 801), a noted Chinese ancient classic in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), excerpted Du Huan’ s precious book, Stores on Journey, regarded as the first bridge of cultural exchanges between China and African countries. According to these ancient books, the Chinese invented paper-making techniques spread along the Silk Road to the Arab world, now Central Asia and West Asia. It gradually spread to Europe, Africa and other parts of the world.

Modern trade between China and African countries is expanding gradually. Economic trade between China and African countries has supported a considerable market, demonstrating the benefits and prospects of maintaining international multilateral trade. In particular, it must be emphasized that increasingly closer economic and cultural exchanges occur between China and Zimbabwe, an emerging country in central Africa. Hongyu, a privately owned Chinese company, is an outstanding commercial typical in Zimbabwe. The company’s representative businesses are four; for example, constructing a public clean water system has benefited 300,000 Ndebele people in Gweru city. The commercial operation of Hongyu shows significant enlightenment: Chinese and African people work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity.