Zhao Baogang, China’s deputy ambassador in Zimbabwe, went on Twitter over the weekend to ask if anyone was interested in joining him for a group chat on Zoom to discuss the recent allegations of mistreatment and discrimination against Africans in Guangzhou. “Many are interested in  china-africa relations,we could have a zoom conference,” he said in his first post on the topic. “If  ten more confirm, I will  share the room number,” he added in the same Tweet.

Zhao’s offer received a warm reception from Zimbabweans and a number of China-Africa analysts from around the world, who all seemed eager to participate in the dialogue.