BEIJING, China – China and Kenya have upgraded their diplomatic relations to a “new level,” with both countries pledging to strengthen ties in the face of a turbulent international situation.
The announcement came during a meeting in Beijing on Thursday between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kenyan President William Ruto, marking a significant milestone in their bilateral cooperation.
Xi and Ruto committed to creating an “all-weather” China-Africa community, with the aim of furthering China-Africa relations and fostering unity and cooperation within the Global South.
Xi emphasized the importance of this partnership, particularly in light of the current global challenges, stating that both countries had agreed to take the lead in promoting the development and cooperation between China and Africa.
“We are committed to leading the development of China-Africa relations and the unity and cooperation of the Global South,” Xi said during the meeting, according to a media pool report.
The two leaders discussed ongoing and future projects as part of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which was launched in 2013 to expand China’s geopolitical and economic influence through infrastructure development across the globe.
Africa, and Kenya in particular, has been a key focus of the BRI, with Kenya being one of the major recipients of Chinese funding for infrastructure projects.
Kenya has seen significant investments from China, including the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), which connects the port of Mombasa to Kenya’s interior.
The railway project is a flagship example of the BRI’s impact on Kenya.
Kenyan officials are now negotiating with Chinese counterparts to secure funding for additional projects, including the extension of the SGR to the border with Uganda.
However, Kenya’s growing debt burden remains a concern.
As the largest bilateral lender to Kenya, China has played a crucial role in financing the country’s infrastructure projects, but the government is struggling with the high cost of servicing its debt.
In response, President Ruto has pledged to tackle Kenya’s fiscal challenges, assuring the public that his government will not default on its external debt.
He has promised to curb waste and increase revenue to better manage the debt.
This visit marks President Ruto’s first state trip to China since taking office in September 2022.
The enhanced diplomatic ties are seen as a strategic move to deepen Kenya’s relationship with China, particularly as the country faces significant economic challenges and seeks to maintain strong international partnerships.
