China backs Zimbabwe election results

China, a key ally of Zimbabwe, has endorsed the country's elections results and suggested that the international community needs to show more support.

Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesman Geng Shuang said:

As a friendly nation to Zimbabwe, we call upon relevant parties to put the interest of the country and the people first and respect the choice made by the Zimbabwean people.

We hope the international community will join us to make contributions to upholding the peace and development of Zimbabwe."

China is a long-time trading partner of Zimbabwe. It joins Tanzania, South Africa and Burundi in accepting the outcome of the polls.

It is also where, in the 1960s, President Emmerson Mnagagwa received his military training.