Kenya has affirmed that it will continue to uphold its longstanding tradition of recognising One China, with Beijing as its capital.
- According to the One-China policy, there is only one China, and Taiwan is considered an integral part of Chinese territory.
- Both countries have achieved fruitful results in their pragmatic cooperation, exemplified by the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway.
- Only Eswatini in Africa continues to maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
According to The EastAfrican, this was made known by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on Thursday following discussions with Chinese officials.
According to the One-China policy, there is only one China, and Taiwan is considered an integral part of Chinese territory.
The message is Nairobi’s latest effort to align itself with the majority of the world that has maintained ties with Beijing, despite Taiwan’s pursuit of independent recognition.
Many countries, including Kenya, make choices based on economic, political, and diplomatic considerations when it comes to the complex issue of recognizing Taiwan or adhering to the One-China policy.
Mudavadi is on a trip to China, marking his first visit since assuming the role of Nairobi’s top diplomat in October.
In talks with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, he told his hosts Kenya’s stance on the Taiwan issue, while the hosts pledged to ensure African-style development in Kenya.
What Mudavadi said:
“On behalf of the Kenyan government, I reiterate that Kenya will continue to unswervingly adhere to the One-China principle and stand with China on issues such as Taiwan and human rights,”
“We look forward to developing closer cooperation with China and opening up a new 60 years of Kenya-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.”
The two sides have achieved fruitful results in their pragmatic cooperation, as evidenced by the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and other landmark projects associated with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The People’s Republic of China, as China is formally known, has been recognised at the UN since October 1971, replacing the Republic of China (Taiwan). Kenya and many other African countries endorsed that vote at the UN.
Today, only Eswatini in Africa continues to maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
