NAIROBI, Kenya- On Sunday, China’s Ambassador to Kenya, Dr. Zhou Pingjian, hosted a reception in Nairobi to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Held at the Chinese Embassy, the event drew an impressive list of attendees, including Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, heads of various diplomatic missions, and leaders from different sectors, alongside members of Kenya’s Chinese community.
The ambassador used the moment to reflect on China’s meteoric rise, sharing how the nation has gone from a struggling economy in 1949 to becoming the world’s second-largest economy.
But beyond mere economic strength, China, as Zhou emphasized, has remained focused on lifting its citizens out of poverty and ensuring stability.
The ambassador also expressed optimism about the future of China-Kenya relations, committing to deeper cooperation between the two nations.
As the world looks to China for lessons on rapid development, Ambassador Zhou reminded attendees of his country’s remarkable journey.
“In a few short decades, we’ve transformed from a poor, backward country into a moderately prosperous society,” Zhou stated, pointing to China’s leadership in global trade, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
One of the country’s proudest achievements, as highlighted by Zhou, is eradicating absolute poverty.
China’s massive efforts to lift hundreds of millions of citizens out of poverty have resulted in the world’s largest social security, education, and healthcare systems.
With modernization at its core, China continues to prioritize its citizens’ well-being while pursuing technological advancements that benefit the broader global community.
The ambassador’s remarks echoed China’s continued focus on modernization and stability, an ambition that seeks to bring certainty to a world facing increasing unpredictability.
China’s commitment to peaceful development and its desire to foster global cooperation were evident in Zhou’s speech.
He underscored how important Africa is to China’s foreign policy, noting that developing solidarity with African nations remains a cornerstone of the country’s international relations.
Referring to the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing, Zhou emphasized that the outcomes of this summit will greatly benefit African nations that maintain diplomatic ties with China.
He added that these outcomes would guide future China-Africa relations, driving modernization efforts on both sides of the partnership.
For Kenya, this means a strengthened bond with Beijing. Zhou expressed China’s willingness to work closely with Kenya to implement FOCAC’s outcomes, contributing to the establishment of an “all-weather” China-Africa community with a shared future.
This commitment to China-Africa cooperation reflects China’s long-term vision for mutual benefit and prosperity.
Ambassador Zhou did not hold back when talking about China’s special relationship with Kenya. “China and Kenya share a profound tradition of friendship,” he said.
From digital economy to agriculture, the China-Kenya relationship is about more than just diplomacy—it’s about creating real, tangible change on the ground.
“We should be sincere partners, firmly supporting one another in safeguarding national sovereignty and choosing independent development paths,” Zhou added, stressing the importance of mutual respect and cooperation between the two nations.
The ambassador’s remarks point toward a future where China and Kenya continue to benefit from each other, creating a hub for East African connectivity and growth.
