TanzaniaTanzania

Map Creator: Natalie Olechno ’20, International Relations

On the day of Tanzania’s independence, December 9, 1961, China established diplomatic relations with Tanzania, declaring a unique friendship for decades to come. As a show of anti-imperialism and independence Tanzania adopted socialism in 1967, causing it to develop ideological similarities with China. A symbol of its relationship is the landmark Tanzania-Zambia railway which China helped build when other countries refused to help. In addition to investments in human and physical capital, Chinese presence in Tanzania has manifested through cultural influence. As China seeks to expand investments into Tanzania through new economic initiatives, their relationship depends upon the ideological similarities that are now growing apart.