Zhing-zhong

Zhing-zhong, or jing zhong,[1] is a Zimbabwean slang term for inexpensive Chinese products of poor quality. In some contexts, it may refer only to cheaply-made fake products, not necessarily from China.[2] In South Africa, similar goods are called fong kong.[3] Shops run by Chinese people in Africa selling Chinese clothes and shoes are also sometimes called "ZhingZhong" shops.[4]

Zhing-zhong is sometimes used as a pejorative towards people of Chinese descent or other people of East Asian descent perceived to be Chinese, that developed in response to an influx of Chinese immigrants during an economic downturn in the 2000s.[5][6]

Etymology

The term is potentially derived from zhèngzōng (正宗; 'authentic').[1]

History

See also: Chinese people in Zimbabwe

Chinese immigrants began to first arrive in large numbers to Zimbabwe in the 1980s. They make up a large part of the economy, but social integration has been slow, resulting in negative stereotyping by the local Zimbabweans.[7] Low-priced Chinese imports like toys, makeup, and clothing are ridiculed for their low-quality but still purchased for their affordability.[8]

Usage

In 2004, Fred Mpofu, secretary general of the union, addressed Asian immigrants to Zimbabwe: “don’t supply us with what we can produce here, supply us with that which we can’t produce. It’s like we’re exporting our jobs to Asia.”[8]

In 2005, several arrests were allegedly made for using the term under the Miscellaneous Offences Act.[9] In 2009, members from the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions held posters that read "No to Zhing Zhong" signs to protest the economic conditions.[10]

Following the 2017 coup, the term remains in use as the products have had staying power,[11] but sentiments have improved since Zimbabwe joined the Belt and Road Initiative.[12]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Shen, Xiaolei (2015). "试析中国新移民融入津巴布韦的困境" [The Assimilation Dilemma for New Chinese Immigrants in Zimbabwe] (PDF). Guójì Zhèngzhì Yánjiū 国际政治研究 [The Journal of International Studies] (in Chinese). China Academic Journal Electronic Publishing House. Retrieved 2026-02-02.
  2. ^ "Zimbabwe Lingo". Retrieved 2026-03-18.
  3. ^ "A Huawei phone saved a South African man's life, proof that not all "made in China" goods are flimsy". Quartz. 2016-09-19. Retrieved 2026-03-18.
  4. ^ Chan, Stephen. "Scramble for China". dlv.prospect.gcpp.io. Retrieved 2026-03-18.
  5. ^ Johwa, Wilson (2004-10-12). "ECONOMY-ZIMBABWE: "Zhing-Zhong" Gets the Thumbs Up". Inter Press Service. Retrieved 2017-04-17.
  6. ^ Wines, Michael (2005-07-24). "From Shoes to Aircraft to Investment, Zimbabwe Pursues a Made-in-China Future". The New York Times. Retrieved 2026-02-02.
  7. ^ Shen, Xiaolei. (2017). Integration of Newcomers into Local Communities: An Analysis of New Chinese Immigrants in Zimbabwe. 10.1007/978-981-10-5595-9_4.
  8. ^ a b Reporter, Staff (2004-10-13). "Zim consumers give 'zhing-zhong' thumbs-up". The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 2026-03-18.
  9. ^ "'Look East' policy staves off collapse with grants and deals". The New Humanitarian. 2005-07-29. Retrieved 2026-02-05.
  10. ^ "Zimbabwe's Top Trade Unionists Arrested During Anti-Poverty Demonstration". Voice of America. 2009-10-28. Retrieved 2026-02-05.
  11. ^ Moyo, Fortune (2017-12-16). "Despite Opposition, Chinese Retailers Thrive in Zimbabwe's Cash-Strapped Economy". Global Press Journal. Retrieved 2026-02-05.
  12. ^ Cheru, Monica (2025-09-26). "From "Zhing Zhong" to innovation: How China's GWM points to a new African opportunity". ZimNow. Retrieved 2026-02-05.
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