Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Tuesday extended China's congratulations to Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on his re-election, as the Zambian Electoral Commission officially declared him the winner of the 2026 presidential race.
According to data released by the commission, Hichilema received more than 2.9 million valid votes, or over 50 percent of the total, meeting the constitutional requirement for an outright victory without a run-off.
"China congratulates President Hichilema on his re-election. China highly values its relations with Zambia and stands ready to work with the new Zambian government to deepen our comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, so as to better benefit the peoples of both nations," Lin said.
Hichilema first took office in August 2021 after a decisive electoral victory.
China congratulates Hichilema on re-election as Zambian president
The United Nations (UN) General Assembly on Thursday adopted a resolution allowing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' participation in this year's general debate via video, following the United States' denial of a visa to him.
The resolution, adopted with 152 votes in favor, 3 against and 4 abstentions, decides that Palestine may submit a pre-recorded statement by Abbas, which will be played in the General Assembly Hall during the general debate at the 81st session after introduction by its representative who is physically present.
The resolution also decides that Palestine may deliver statements via video conference or submit a pre-recorded statement at meetings of the high-level international conference for the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-state solution.
The resolution allows Palestine to submit a pre-recorded statement of its president or any other high-level representative at any high-level meeting or UN conference, as well as at international conferences and meetings convened under the auspices of the General Assembly or other UN organs, if representatives of Palestine are prevented from participating in UN meetings.
The United States on Wednesday extended visa restrictions on Palestinian officials, including Abbas, preventing him from attending the UN General Assembly high-level week in person for the second consecutive year.
"The leadership of the State of Palestine rejects and condemns the action of denying the Palestinian delegation headed by His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas, to exercise their lawful right to participate in the works of the United Nations and the high-level week of the UNGA week," said Riyad Mansour, permanent observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations.
This year's general debate will be held on September 22-26 and September 28.
UN allows Abbas to participate in general debate via video after U.S. visa denial
