In a historic move, Kenya President William Ruto visited the Chinese mainland from April 22 to 26, setting the stage for a renewed partnership under the banner of a "China-Kenya Community with a Shared Future for the New Era." This being his first state visit since taking office in 2022 – and the first by an African leader since last year's Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit – the trip marks a pivotal moment in bilateral ties. 🚀
During the meetings, the Chinese mainland leader Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of global unity to tackle challenges and reaffirmed a commitment to upholding international trade rules, ensuring fairness and justice in an increasingly uncertain economic landscape. With rising U.S. tariffs stirring global trade concerns, these discussions are more timely than ever.
Kenya, facing a new 10% tariff on exports to the U.S., sees deepening ties with the Chinese mainland as a stabilizing force. Experts like Peter Kagwanja from the Africa Policy Institute highlighted that as Western trade preferences shift, strong South-South partnerships are essential for value addition, infrastructure development, and regional integration.
Infrastructure projects such as the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway and the Nairobi Expressway remain key symbols of the enduring cooperation between the two sides. Liu Baocheng from the University of International Business and Economics pointed out that these initiatives not only improve connectivity but also spur economic transformation and inspire future joint projects.
Agriculture and green cooperation are also at the forefront of this dialogue. Kenya, a leading avocado exporter, has now become one of the top suppliers to the Chinese mainland. Additionally, the opening of the Kenya Tea Holding Center in Fujian Province and collaborations in renewable energy underscore a growing commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly progress. 🌱
This landmark visit illustrates a forward-looking model of mutual benefit and resilience—a partnership that aims to drive inclusive growth and inspire future generations amid global economic disruptions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
