Michael Sata was elected President of Zambia after waging a campaign in support of workers’ rights and against abuses by Chinese companies operating in the country. Soon after taking office, Sata declared he would target Chinese businesses in a general crackdown on corruption. His tune now seems to have changed, as recent comments are more conciliatory and he has plans to boost ties between the two countries. From AFP:
“When we were campaigning people were complaining about the Chinese and I promised that I will sort the Chinese out,” said Sata who hosted a luncheon for Beijing investors at the State House.
“They are also going to sort me out and so we are going to use them to develop,” he said.
[…] The newly elected leader said he would be sending the country’s founding president Kenneth Kaunda to China to renew relations between the two nations.
“We will be in a few days be sending president Kaunda to China to renew our acquaintance and say thank you to China for the things they have done,” Sata said.
