By Field Ruwe EdD
None So Blind As Those Who Cannot See
Before I dip my pen in the red ink of wrath, I want you to take a look at the above pictures. Like all captured images, they are aesthetic phenomenon worth a thousand words. They capture the two Chinese subjects in a moment frozen in time. Here they represent the more than 80,000 Chinese settled in Zambia. You may have seen the pictures before, but this time look at them closely with a contemplative state of awareness.
What emotions emerge in you? Gladness, sadness, failure, fear, anger, anxiety, strength, weakness, or none. Do you know them? How might you identify with them—allies, foes, spies, saviors, intruders, citizens, non-citizens? Why are they flashing the PF clenched fist symbol, wrapped as they are in PF regalia stamped with Edgar Lungu’s face? Are they members of the PF party?
Of course there are those of you who might shrug off the exercise with a “leave the Chinese alone, they have changed Zambia.” There are also those of you who have your telescope on the blind eye and cannot see the perilous future of our motherland. And of course, there are those like President Edgar Lungu who are as blind as a bat and as deaf as a doornail, they continue to live in the dark holes of their own self-seeking absorbed interests.
It bears to reiterate that this article is not aimed at inciting xenophobia or violence. I abhor both. Instead, it calls for nonviolent resistance by all good-meaning Zambians young and old. A resistance in this regard is a peaceful protest or revolution designed to protect every square inch of our God-given land and every ounce of its minerals from the Chinese marauders. No country poses a greater, more severe threat to our humanity than China.
Cognizant of the sensitivity of some of the articles I write, I strive to conduct a thorough research and verify information to determine its veracity and correctness. By doing so, I operate above libel, defamation, slander, or sedition. In the case of this article, the aim is to help concerned nationals connect dots and see the petrifying downward spiral of a nation abound with abundant minerals and natural resources. Look carefully—such spiral is contained in the nonfigurative nature of the two pictures before your eyes.
The Audacity of the Chinese
The audacity of the two smiling Chinese subjects and that of Chinese practicing covert racism, and Chinese diplomats issuing directives to Zambia’s head of state, emanates from a feeling of ownership and superiority over a people who have failed to rise to the level of own-innovation.
Tell me, who enters a foreign country with such condescending deportment? Imagine for a moment a stranger walking in your dilapidated house. Without your consent and that of your family, he tears down the house and replaces it with a Mike Tyson 52-room-type mansion with golden toilets. He then invites his extended family to occupy the rooms and shunts you and your family to the servant’s quarters with scorn.
The most insidious is the belief of all Chinese settlers in Zambia that they are the “black devil’s” savior. That’s what they call us. They truly see themselves as redeemers—unique and superior, and therefore entitled to country and its leadership. It is the reason the two subjects and their compatriots can do what they wish with undisguised, unblushingly avowal of sheer selfishness.
It is not beyond reasonable doubt to state that poverty has masked our way to greatness, and without greatness we are “exalted” below measure, and “consecrated” as a failed people susceptible to manipulation by a people who are no better than our equals.
Look at the two pictures one final time. The subjects are not members of the Patriotic Front party. Like all the Chinese settlers in Zambia, they are foot soldiers of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). China is a one-party state. The Chinese settlers in Zambia are part of CCP and Chinese government “go out policy,” a meticulously planned imperialistic resettlement initiative launched in 1998 by President Jiang Zemin and his team at the United Front Work Department (UFWD).
The use of Chinese nationals is codified in Chinese law. Article 14 mandates the Chinese government “may ask relevant institutions, organizations and citizens to provide necessary support, assistance and cooperation” of their citizens. Some of the Chinese settlers in Zambia work under UFWD and employ a variety of tactics to spy and gain access to political parties and the country’s sensitive information.
This serious allegation came to light in 2018 when the French newspaper “Le Monde” reported Chinese espionage activities at the African Union (AU) headquarters. An inspection of the building—built by state-owned China State Construction Engineering Corporation uncovered devices hidden throughout the building.
Foreign Policy (FP) reports that Zambia is among the countries under surveillance. According to the FP newsletter, China has quietly built or renovated government buildings across the country, and installed “gifted” computers and cutting-edge surveillance technology to spy on the Zambian government, dominate and own its ruling party, and monitor opposition parties, as a way to facilitate total control of the country.
Additionally, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports that Huawei technicians, working on behalf of the Chinese government, have intercepted encrypted communication and are using cell data to spy on African political parties. The intention of the Chinese in Zambia is to make the PF party a wing of the Chinese Communist Party. That should explain the poise of the two Chinese above; the clenched fist has nothing to do with the PF. It is the symbol of communism power, the PF chitenge (toga) is the success of the clandestine psychological war waged against Zambian politics, and the smile on their faces tells it all—welcome to the one-party state called Chambia.
Militarized Police, Chinese Divide and Conquer Strategy
Now move your attention to the two courageous young Zambians in the picture above. One thing we have not taught our children is love for country. We have not taught them that this beautiful land is worth dying for—its waters and animals; its copper, magnesium, and zinc; its mukula, and above all, its inhabitants. We have not taught them to guard our wealth zealously. We have not taught them to never let selfish people take Zambia away from them. You know why? Because we are not a patriotic people. We do not know the meaning of patriotism because our destinies are not bound together.
The way we identify ourselves and the way we focus our goals is almost impossible to knock patriotism out of a Zambian. This, coupled with the poverty we have imposed on ourselves the past 56 years, renders us incapable of protecting our nation steadfastly. In short, we are so borne out of desperation, individualism, jealous, tribalism, greed, fraud, corruption, hypocrisy, self-aggrandizement and other unpatriotic tenets, we can’t tell ally from foe.
More so, our “humble” leader can’t tell who our enemies are. The present endemic blindness and poverty of vision characteristic of President Lungu and his PF regime has led to dependence corruption. The power of Chinese trinkets has brought about a despondent and dishonorable legacy of a president who has lamentably failed to curve with his own hands, a country better than entrusted in him. He now finds himself on his knees, at the mercy of the enemy.
The two patriotic young women in the picture are a symbol of patriotism. They see us as splintered reckless souls. More than any period in their lifetime, they see in us a gullible people at the precipice of losing a country. They are nothing more than bricklayers, trying to build a fence around their future one brick at a time. Their hearts beat true to country. Yet, they face death, injury or banishment in a country in which China, with the worst record of freedoms, has politicized and militarized the police force.
The Chinese “salami-slice strategy,” espoused by the Zambia Police “military” is a divide and conquer psychological warfare intended to turn Zambians against each other. Under the pretext of curbing crime, the Chinese have supplied military weapons to our police force so Edgar Lungu, his Minister of Home Affairs, and the Inspector General, can turn on their own relatives, children, nieces and nephews, beat them up, maim them, even kill in Tiananmen Square style where necessary. What a shame.
Let the youth give us a teachable moment. Youths around the world have become masters at facilitating discourse and deliberation. In the U.S. they are driving reform and signaling people’s disapproval of racism, and results are beginning to show. In Zambia, a democracy, the youth must be given the same courtesy. Edgar Lungu and his PF party and police must not threaten them, beat them up, maim or kill them. They are the only ones who can stop the Chinese and put the house in order.
Author is a US-based Zambian multicultural scholar practitioner and author. He holds a Doctor of Education degree from Northeastern University, Boston Massachusetts, U.S.
I know we are pandering to a public that harbors anti-Chinese sentiment. But you CANNOT use one to two pictures for statistical relevance. Not even sure you could scientifically pull out qualitative data from those two pictures if you tried. Entertaining attempt at provocation through insult, with no coherent unified point made. In an ever increasingly globalized world, we ought to be more rational and inclusive in our arguments. Zambia needs sound leadership, no doubt, but this devisive-for shock value rhetoric helps no one. Publish more intelligent content ba LT.
Field Marshall is right. Sad though, time has coNe to tell the members of CCP , killers of Uighurs in Xinjiang province to pack and go.
Ruwe is too hater. He hates everything, including chinese.
If you are corrupt , greedy , no vision , a theif in leadership like lungu , your country stands no chance with the Chinese. …..
You are forced to sell your country to the Chinese when your survival in leadership depends on Chinese funding….
Under lungu , Zambia is doomed….
Countries gain from immigration! Abash xenophobia!
This is a good article on which we can start a fruitful debate which could lead to a good outcome for our people and our Country. Though the author is a bit careless with his choice of vocabulary which can incite hatred in an uninitiated mind, the point of our collective national self-interest that he has raised is a very important one which needs serious reflection. 1. Globalization is not a win-win contest, it is a winner takes all contest. 2. China is in a more advantageous position to win this contest owing to it’s economic power which can only be matched by USA. The choice here from what I see without resorting to racial sentiments is; shall we deal with the Chinese or not? If we choose to deal, we should remember that our opponent is well oiled and organized therefore we should…
This PF government is busy Chinalizing Zambia because of the debt trap they’ve f00lishly signed up for.
We must never cede control of the motherland.
Zambia has been sold already, its now too late. When the head of state was begging the Chinese President for debt relief what do you think the Chinese President was asking in return? for starters it means no Chinese can be arrested for wrong doing because the Chinese Ambassador has access to the President 24/7. ECL is effectively on call to the Chinese for what ever they want. We now have no say, the Chinese are our new colonizers. From now on every time you see a Chinese person in the street you need to salute and carry his bags if he has some.
Chinese are worse than cockroaches…
If we don’t stop them Zambia is doomed and is been colonized by them in the name of investors…
but really they are infestors….
They have take away most bizness from Zambians and now taking away lives with there Covid virus.
Zamians must boycott all Chinese biznsses to force them out.
# Chinese must go enough is enough….
Field Ruwe….this is no laughing matter…when you joke in your articles people won’t take it serious….so stop referring to Zambia as Chambia…please be part of the Solution not the problem…thank you….and thats the problem with Zambians everything is taken as a joke no wonder the chinese are flooded in Zambia
Gutter journalism. Trying to support the anti-China rhetoric being fuelled by the west. USA, UK, Australia etc are running aggressive attacks to derail China’s progress. Didn’t even waste my precious morning minutes reading this cr@p….
Field Ruwe used to be an intelligent writter until he decided to dub into politricts. Think like an intelligent person. Don’t let your hatred of the PF control your pen
It’s no longer a matter of whether Zambia is being Chinalized or not. Zambia is already a Chinese Colony! Just start getting used to this “Entanglement!”
THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I REALLY BELIEVE THAT WE MAY HAVE A BLIND PRESIDENCY, AND A DEAF ONE TOO.
Field Ruwe writing from the US, once touted as the bastion of democracy, says “China, with the worst record of freedoms, has politicized and militarized the police force.” I hope Ruwe is not just munching American burgers and failing to see the police brutality in Portland against protestors angered by American systemic racism brought to the fore by the brutal killing of one unarmed George Floyd by the Houston police.
Logic’s response (4.30 am) to Mr. Ruwe’s editorial piece is, excuse the pun, logical, coherent, rational and well articulated. The two pictures CANNOT (should not) be used as positive proof to validate the skewed view that even ordinary Chinese people are now part of the PF government machinery. For all we know, and unbeknownst to them, somebody could have asked them to don those chitenges for the benefit of taking a quick picture. Mr. Ruwe is in the USA, the bastion of democracy and transparency but I have not seen him being critical of the presence of paramilitary personnel in Portland who have been beating and arresting people on the streets in a manner which has been compared to what only happens in dictatorial countries – something which the champions of “freedom” and “free…
… speech” have always been quick to condemn. And it is laughable that the esteemed Mr. Ruwe talks about the “Police Military” when in USA, the police, nationwide, have become quasi-military forces because they have all acquired military grade weaponry. Yes? China has its negatives but the biases displayed are unfair when nary a critical word is said about the negatives of the country in which Mr. Ruwe resides.
… speech” have always been quick to condemn. And it is laughable that the esteemed Mr. Ruwe talks about the “Police Military” when in USA, the police, nationwide, have become quasi-military forces because they have all acquired military grade weaponry. Yes, China has its negatives but the biases displayed are unfair when nary a critical word is said about the negatives of the country in which Mr. Ruwe resides.
They decide who should lead a country. A CNN report in November 2017 noted that, Chiwenga, then the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Commander, met with Gen. Li Zuocheng, who may have backed the coup against Mugabe, after General Zuocheng told the vice president that Zimbabwe and China are “all-weather friends,” according to the report. China did not publicly condemn the ousting of Mugabe from power thereafter.
Zimbabwe coup latest: Did CHINA influence military takeover from …
General Zuocheng, is reported to be the brains behind that country’s military backing for Chiwenga to take office from Mnangagwa, and is said to have also played an important role in facilitating the VP’s medical treatment team of doctors, at the General Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army (PLAGH) in Beijing,…
Listen to the National Anthem I went to school in Zambia my father was on contract to the Zambia Army. We were the Brits living in Zambia and we abided by Zambian law with great respect of the people and culture. The loans& debt with the Chinese will be hard to pay back so Zambia will be forever Chambia unfortunately. Northern Rhodesia became Zambia from the so called colony of the British Empire, so Zambia should be Zambia from the Chinese Empire.LISTEN TO STAND AND SING OF ZAMBIA, Proud and Free??????Remember One Zambia One Nation. A Mzungu who loved Zambia
I don’t read hogwash from a kunta kinte diasporan who has been brain washed into thinking that anything Chinese is bad by his whlte masters in America. Lusaka times your standard are dipping when you give such articles audience
This a classic example of hypocrisy. The writer is using his paper and pen from the comfort of his “home” in the US but he doesn’t want the Chinese soldiers of fortune in his motherland! It is now a global world and the US has developed to levels where it is because of productive contributions by foreigners from all over the world. The idea for our leaders should be to put in place strong institutions that will moderate the influx of undesired elements in foreigners and not target only a certain nationality of foreigners. Any discerning person will note that the eatery industry has slowly but been taken over by Lebanese yet there has not been an outcry!
Good article, Covid-19 started in the wet market in wuhan province, look at the impact it has on the whole world , China has refused to take any responsibility and has refused for international investigation including WHO, no black people signs have been seen in accommodation in China, which reminds us of Old America and Britain, as a black person you cannot own a land or farm in China. Look what China is doing in Hong Kong. This week in UK parliament, issue was raised of China influence in Southern Africa. For a decade , China has been able to bribe the British Elite with easy money which they thought it was free but it came with strings attached. there are working up now with China brutal, especially with the banning of Huwein in building the the UK 5G network. It pains me to see…
Its strange that someone who is enjoying the economic advancement of another country is calling on his people back home to fight foreigners when him as a foreigner is welcome and enjoying life in USA. Nga tamukwete ifya kulanda muleikalafye bane.
Trump may call China names but the truth is all his companies buy from China.
Whether USA or EU calls us by the right name, we shall always be in their pocket.
1900 – 2015 Poverty Level in China 75%.
1919 – 2020 Poverty Level in China = 0%.
VIVA MAN CITY, VIVA CHINA.
GLOBAL VILLAGE.
CHINESE WILL HELP DEVELOP ZAMBIA. LOOK AT SINGAPORE.
THIS LAND ON EARTH DOESN’T BELONG TO YOU, BUT TO GOD.
ALL HUMANITY CREATED BY HIM SHOULD ACCESS IT, PERIOD.
A good well researched article reminding Zambians that you cannot trust China in any way they come to your country. All Chinese are members of CCPas there is only one party and anyone perceived against it is sent to a labour camp. All infrastructures they build are embedded with spying gadgets un known to the hosts. Part of a strategy of being a strong China in the world. China takes away some freedom from you a subtle way liken to the odage saying of the Arab and its Camel. In Britain Huawei has been kicked out for similar reasons – You can not trust China.
Classic lack of analytical skills by some bloggers here – and probably burying their heads in the sand for their own selfish partisan reasons. You attack the writers style but have no constructive response to his point. It’s not about xenophobia, or being in the US. It’s about the collusion of our regime with outside forces to control and reap all the resources while ridding roughshod over the citizens
Many white Europeans came to Zambia from very poor backgrounds throughout our history. They amassed wealth in Zambia and today, Zambians are buying land from them, land which many of them bought cheaply before independence. Asians from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh have made Zambia their home for decades. This trend did not stop after independence. When the MMD came to power, we welcomed hundreds of white South African and Zimbabwean farmers. We did not complain. Are we not being racist to talk like this against the Chinese? The Chinese have the highest IQs as a race in the world, equalling that of the Jews and their children have made tremendous contributions to progress in the western countries. We should welcome them.
Listening to Kaizar Zulu the self declared Chinese rep in Zambia disparaging fellow citizens and tax payers. Which business in Zambia can allow a civil servant to change Range Rovers ever two years and by the way what is his job description?
Ruwe speaks with a forked tongue. Hypocrisy is a social contact disease hence his writing this article to rile us and cause violence and hatred despite his weak pretence at doing the opposite. It’s patronising for opposition to try and indoctrinates us for their benefit. It’s cowardly, to sit in the USA and try to incite uprisings (even with covid19 raging), in poor Zambia struggling with debt.
Is there no limit to hate and disrespectful behaviour to your fellow humans. It’s shameful for so e
I understand it’s a globalized world but foreigners whether Chinese, Malawian, Congolese should not be allowed to take part or take sides in our politics.
These 2 images just like the ones with Chinese flaunting UPND regalia and symbols show how much as a country we don’t really give a Fack about our own sovereignty anymore. Seriously, just seriously no right minded cheap talking idyots would allow foreigners to pretend as citizens.
It is plain to see that the Chinese has a hidden agenda against Africa. The strategy is give them unconditional loans knowing very well that African leaders are not disciplined to use money prudently and then when they default, dictate terms equal to colonialism. There is no doubt that there is great developmental projects taking place across Africa using Chinese money but it is the strategy to trap Africa. Caution is needed when dealing with the Chinese.
Field Ruwe oloso!!!. Stay away from self-serving political narrative. You are not even educated in Polical Science!!.If your formative learning ended at form 5 level. Adult education cannot improve on this. The cup is already full.
Remember, you cannot teach an old dog new tricks.
Oloso naimwe!!