China has declared it "will never abandon Africa," a powerful reaffirmation of one of its most strategic partnerships in the highly competitive diplomatic arena.
The Asian economic powerhouse used the high-profile National Day reception in Kenya to cement its message of unwavering solidarity and mutual growth.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan delivered the pledge, positioning the Sino-African relationship as permanent and evolving to counter a landscape dominated by what she described as a "Cold War mentality and unilateralism."
“China’s principle of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith toward Africa will never change. The original aspiration of China and Africa working hand in hand will never change,” Amb. Guo said on Monday.
She made the remarks while addressing a gathering of senior Kenyan officials, diplomats, and dignitaries celebrating the 76th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.
Her speech weaved together historical legacy, current economic cooperation, and a shared vision for the global order, painting a picture of a bond that is both unbreakable and essential.
She noted that the relationship was forged through fighting against imperialism and colonialism, paying tribute to Kenya and other African nations for their crucial support in 1971 at the United Nations.
That support led to the restoration of the People’s Republic of China’s lawful rights at the UN, a moment she said the Chinese people will never forget.
“The Chinese people will never forget that in 1971, with the support of Kenya and other African countries, the 26th United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758 by an overwhelming majority … and fully embodied the One-China principle.”
The envoy stressed that over 62 years of diplomatic relations, “China and Kenya have stood together through thick and thin, working to forge a community with a shared future in the new era.”
She added: “This year marks a new chapter of continuity and progress in our bilateral relations.”
The relationship was formally elevated to ‘all-weather’ status during President William Ruto’s state visit to China in April, which Ambassador Guo described as opening a new chapter of continuity and progress.
Moving beyond diplomatic rhetoric, the ambassador pointed to tangible economic benefits from the partnership.
She highlighted China’s recent announcement to expand zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent of tariff lines for Kenya and other African nations, a move aimed at boosting exports and economic independence.
“China will work with Kenya to ensure the zero-tariff measures take effect at an early date so that our peoples can benefit sooner from our cooperation,” she said.
In a clear expression of Beijing’s foreign policy principle, Ambassador Guo added: “China respects African countries’ independent choice of development paths and opposes interference, pressure, or sanctions.”
She contrasted China’s approach with that of Western powers, saying the world is “overshadowed by the dark clouds of Cold War mentality, hegemonism, and protectionism.”
The envoy outlined China’s “Global Governance Initiative” as a framework to build a “more just and equitable global governance system.”
“GGI is another important public good that China contributes to the international community,” she said, reaffirming: “China will always work with all countries to promote a more just and equitable global governance system for a future of peace, security, prosperity, and progress.”
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi affirmed Kenya’s solidarity with China, declaring: “We stand with you.”
He stressed that “the place for multilateralism is becoming even more important” and added: “We share the position China has taken,” while valuing the “important, solid, and growing” partnership.
Mudavadi highlighted ongoing efforts to turn commitments into action, noting that a Kenyan delegation is negotiating tariff reliefs under the FOCAC framework.
He emphasised Africa’s need to “get free of aid and get into trade” and pointed to critical infrastructure projects, including the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Malaba.
