Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-01-25 10:38:45
During talks with Chinese officials, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, reiterated the country’s commitment to recognizing One China with Beijing as its capital. This was the third time in the past three months that Kenya had affirmed its position, aligning with the majority of the world in supporting Beijing over Taiwan’s push for independent recognition.
As Kenya’s Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Cabinet Secretary, Mudavadi made his first trip to China since taking office in October. During discussions with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s adherence to the One-China principle and expressed the country’s support for China on issues such as Taiwan and human rights.
The trip is seen as a fence-mending mission, as Kenya seeks to strengthen its ties with China after the government of President William Ruto came to power following previous critical comments on China. The recent election of a new President in Taiwan from the Democratic Progressive Party has also prompted countries across Africa to re-endorse the One-China policy, with Beijing as its capital.
China has also been lauded for its human rights progress by African nations at the UN Human Rights Council, despite recent international scrutiny of its policies. Mudavadi’s comments reflect Kenya’s desire to maintain a positive relationship with China, and Wang Yi emphasized the strong partnership and cooperation between the two countries.
While Mudavadi’s trip is not expected to lead to new infrastructure deals, it aims to strengthen the relationship between Kenya and China and emphasize their collaboration on the Belt and Road Initiative, supporting Kenya’s economic development. Additionally, Mudavadi noted the importance of Chinese development projects being implemented at the request of the local community.
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