Following a secret memorandum of understanding with the Chinese authorities, Chinese soldiers are being given permits to work in Zimbabwe’s disputed Marange diamond fields, according to the ZimDiaspora.

The Zimbabwean newspaper reports that the Chinese military’s intervention in Zimbabwe’s diamond mining is said to have been facilitated by Army Commander General Constantine Chiwenga during his numerous trips to the Far East. Chiwenga is believed to have struck a deal with senior Chinese military officials with the approval of President Mugabe, says the ZimDiaspora. ZimDiaspora also says that it has been confirmed that Zimbabwe barters diamonds for weapons with Chinese defense industries.

ZimDiaspora’s own investigations have revealed that a number of Chinese nationals are based at Marange diamonds fields. “Chinese nationals, particularly those from the army or with links are being issued with permits to mine diamonds in Marange in exchange for supplying us with military hardware like vehicles, guns and bomb materials,” said a well-informed military source, according to ZimDiaspora.