Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Guo Haiyan, has criticized recent calls by some U.S. senators to reassess Washington’s relations with Nairobi over its ties with Beijing, describing the move as unwarranted interference.
Speaking on Friday at the opening ceremony of an exhibition in Nairobi commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Ambassador Guo stated that Kenya-China cooperation is based on mutual benefit and should remain free from external interference.
“A few days ago, a certain country claimed it would conduct a so-called ‘review’ of Kenya’s relationship with China. China-Kenya friendly cooperation is for the well-being of our two peoples. What does it have to do with other countries?” she posed.
“It is the typical Cold War mentality and hegemonic behavior to disrupt other countries’ friendly cooperation out of prejudice to serve their own interests, which we resolutely oppose,” she added.
The ambassador cautioned against “unilateralism and hegemonic practices” that undermine the United Nations system, underscoring the importance of maintaining the principles of sovereign equality and non-interference in international affairs.
“Eight decades have elapsed, yet unilateralism, hegemony and bullying are causing great harm. The human race once again finds itself at the crossroads between unity and division, dialogue and confrontation, win-win cooperation and zero-sum games,” she remarked.
Regarding the Taiwan issue, Ambassador Guo reaffirmed Beijing’s stance that the island’s return to China is a key outcome of World War II and warned against external interference in China’s reunification efforts. She expressed gratitude to Kenya for its consistent support of the One-China Principle and its opposition to all forms of “Taiwan independence.”
The event, held at the National Museums of Kenya, was attended by various leaders, including Kisii Governor Simba Arati, Principal Secretary for Gender and Affirmative Action Anne Wang’ombe, Member of Parliament Stephen Mogaka, former African Union Deputy Chairperson Erastus Mwencha, and officials from Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
Ambassador Guo reiterated that the commemoration was not only about honoring fallen heroes but also about learning from history to safeguard peace and strengthen global cooperation.
“History is the best teacher and the best dose of sobriety,” she noted. “We must resolutely oppose hegemony and power politics in all forms and work together to create a better future for humanity.”
