Full text: China, Kenya pledge stronger ties in renewed partnership

Joint Statement Between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Kenya on Creating an Inspiring Example in the All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era 

At the invitation of H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, paid a state visit to the People’s Republic of China from April 22^nd to 26^th, 2025.

During the visit, the two Presidents held talks in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, and had an in-depth exchange of views on China-Kenya relations, China-Africa relations under the new circumstances, and international and regional issues of mutual interest. H.E. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council, and H.E. Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, met with President William Ruto.

The two sides agreed that China and Kenya have enjoyed an ever stronger traditional friendship; that their cooperation over the past 62 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations has invigorated the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation characterized by sincere friendship and equality, win-win for mutual benefit and common development, fairness and justice, progress with the times and openness and inclusiveness; and that their high-quality Belt and Road cooperation in the new era has been a fine example in promoting the Silk Road spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit. China-Kenya cooperation has promoted modernization in both countries and benefited the two peoples. Under the new circumstances, China-Kenya comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership is facing major opportunities for development. The two sides will continue to firmly support each other in defending core interests, deepen and expand exchanges and cooperation across the board, and work together to build a China-Kenya community with a shared future for the new era.

The two sides agreed that the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), over the past 25 years since its establishment, has been driving the great strides in China-Africa relations, enhancing the quality of China-Africa cooperation, and has become a banner for international cooperation with Africa. The 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit is a landmark event in the history of China-Africa relations. It has created a new blueprint for China-Africa unity and cooperation, opened a new chapter of China and Africa jointly advancing modernization, and injected new impetus into world peace and development. China and Kenya are committed to implementing the outcomes of the Beijing Summit, promoting high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation, and building the China-Kenya relationship into an inspiring example in developing the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

The two sides agreed that, in a world undergoing changes unseen in a century, important visions and proposals，including building a community with a shared future for mankind, high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), are gaining influence and appeal. Amid change and turbulence, it is important to promote extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit in global governance, shape a fairer and more equitable international order, and resolutely reject the law of the jungle, hegemonism, power politics and all forms of unilateralism and protectionism. This is an important part of the Global South’s endeavor to build strength through unity. Both sides are committed to bringing more stability to the world with the certainty in China-Africa unity and cooperation. The two sides will be a steadfast force for safeguarding the common interests of developing countries and defending the multilateral system, advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and jointly contribute to developing a community with a shared future for mankind.

I. Building a China-Kenya Community with a Shared Future for the New Era

1. The two sides agreed to continue to follow the strategic guidance of head-of-state diplomacy and maintain close high-level exchanges. They will deepen exchanges and cooperation at all levels and across all fields, including between central and local governments, political parties and legislative bodies, and strengthen experience-sharing on governance and development. 

2. The two sides firmly support each other’s independent choice of development paths suited to their own national conditions. They reaffirmed their solid mutual support on issues pertaining to each other’s core interests and major concerns and resolutely oppose external oppression and interference. Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China principle and recognizes that there is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. Kenya resolutely opposes any form of “Taiwan independence” and supports all efforts by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification. Issues related to Xinjiang and Xizang are China’s internal affairs, as observed in international law and the non-interference principle.

3. The two sides are satisfied with the fruitful results they have achieved in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. In implementing the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit and the plan for China-Kenya cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, the two sides will strengthen the synergy with Kenya’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda and Vision 2030, enhance and upgrade practical cooperation, ensure the safety and security of personnel and institutions working on bilateral projects, and make their high-quality Belt and Road cooperation high standard, people-centered and sustainable so that it delivers prosperity to both.

4. The two sides agreed to make full use of the mechanisms such as the Joint Committee on Trade, Investment, Economic and Technical Cooperation and the China-Kenya Joint Working Group to better identify the needs for economic and trade cooperation. China encourages more leading Chinese enterprises to invest and set up businesses in Kenya to facilitate Kenya’s endeavor to expand its competitive production capacity, upgrade industrial chains and achieve independent and sustainable development. China will import more fine Kenyan products and promote the balanced and sustainable development of bilateral trade. The two sides will make active efforts toward signing framework agreement on economic partnership for common development or free trade agreement to provide long-term, stable and predictable institutional support for trade and investment between the two countries.

5. The two sides will drive the integrated development of infrastructure and industries through implementing major projects such as the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway, promote the development of growth circles for China-Africa industrial cooperation and work together to build a China-Africa network featuring land-sea links and coordinated development. The two sides are ready to institutionalize cooperation between their railway authorities, deepen exchanges and cooperation in the railway sector and promote infrastructure connectivity. The two sides will actively consider launching direct flights between their capitals in line with market principles.

6. China values Kenya’s role as a financial hub in East Africa and will support Chinese financial institutions in setting up branches in Kenya and explore new and diversified forms of financial cooperation with Kenya. China is ready to explore cooperation with Kenya on panda bonds in compliance with market rules and relevant laws and regulations.

7. The two sides will enhance exchanges and cooperation in the field of healthcare. Kenya wishes to draw on the valuable experience of China on inclusive healthcare. China places great importance on Kenya’s urgent needs in dealing with medicine and vaccine shortages under the current circumstances, and will support Chinese enterprises in collaborating with the Kenyan side to develop local healthcare industries, thereby contributing to better health and wellbeing of the Kenyan people. Kenya will provide necessary facilitation for Chinese medicines to access its market.

II. Creating an Inspiring Example for Implementing the Global Development Initiative

8. Kenya highly appreciates and actively supports the GDI proposed by President Xi Jinping. The two sides believe that the GDI represents the shared aspirations of Global South countries and provides a strong driving force for international development cooperation and implementing the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. China appreciates Kenya’s participation in the Group of Friends of the GDI. The two sides will deepen cooperation in areas such as poverty reduction, food security, green development, and the blue economy.

9. Kenya commends the Initiative on Supporting Africa’s Industrialization, the Plan for China Supporting Africa’s Agricultural Modernization, and the Plan for China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development set forth by President Xi Jinping. The two sides will further strengthen cooperation in such areas as industry, agriculture, higher education, vocational education and human resource training. Kenya will learn from China’s invaluable experience in rural poverty alleviation and other sectors. The Chinese side supports investment in Kenya’s sustainable and modern agriculture and agroprocessing.

10. China welcomes Kenya in joining the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity-building. The Kenyan side appreciates the Global AI Governance Initiative and Global Initiative on Data Security proposed by China. The two sides will cultivate new growth areas for cooperation focusing on emerging industries including digital economy, new energy, AI, mobile technologies, block chain, and developing smart cities, and promote cooperation on new quality productive forces.

11. China speaks highly of Kenya’s successful hosting of the inaugural Africa Climate Summit in September 2023, and commends President Ruto’s contribution to promoting African unity in addressing climate change. The two sides reiterated the importance of the Nairobi Declaration and the Declaration on China-Africa Cooperation on Combating Climate Change, and will explore ways to deepen green cooperation and protect Planet Earth, the home of all humanity. 

III. Creating an Inspiring Example for Implementing the Global Security Initiative

12. Kenya commends and actively supports the GSI proposed by President Xi Jinping. The two sides agreed that countries should stay committed to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security; to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries; to abiding by the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter; to taking the legitimate security concerns of all nations seriously; to the peaceful resolution of differences and disputes between nations through dialogue and consultation; and to maintaining security in both traditional and non-traditional domains. The two sides expressed the willingness to actively implement the memorandum of understanding on bilateral cooperation under the GSI and engage in active cooperation under this framework to enhance security governance capabilities and make positive contributions to promoting regional and global peace and stability.

13. The two sides call for the international community to support efforts by African countries and the African Union (AU) as well as other regional organizations in Africa to independently resolve African issues in the African way. China firmly supports the AU in promoting solidarity among African countries to actively address regional security challenges and mediate regional conflicts and disputes. The Chinese side speaks highly of Kenya’s efforts to maintain regional peace and stability. Kenya appreciates the Outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa put forward by China, and is ready to continue working with China to bring this vision into reality, strengthen communication and coordination on African hotspot issues, and play a constructive role in maintaining peace and security in Africa. 

14. The two sides agreed to further enhance exchanges at all levels in the field of peace and security, and strengthen cooperation in such areas as personnel training, defense industry and trade, counterterrorism, and joint exercises and training.

15. The two sides will actively negotiate and sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between their law enforcement agencies, establish cooperation mechanisms, and work more closely on combating transnational crimes including human trafficking, drug smuggling, telecoms fraud, cybercrime, illicit arms and wildlife trade, illegal fishing, environmental crime and money laundering, and on building law enforcement capacity, in a joint effort to safeguard the security interests of the two countries and their peoples.

IV. Creating an Inspiring Example for Implementing the Global Civilization Initiative

16. Kenya commends and actively supports the GCI proposed by President Xi Jinping. The two sides call for respect for the diversity of world civilizations, strengthening inter-civilizational and people-to-people exchanges, and upholding equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness among civilizations to promote the progress of human civilizations. The two sides are ready to step up cooperation in the U.N. and other multilateral fora and jointly implement the U.N. General Assembly resolution that designates the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. 

17. The two sides will carry forward their time-honored friendship through exchanges and mutual learning. The two sides will hold a China-Kenya culture and tourism season in 2025 to further expand people-to-people exchanges and encourage more mutual visits, particularly among the young people. The two sides will actively support and participate in the Year of China-Africa People-to-People Exchanges in 2026.

18. The two sides will cement the foundation of China-Kenya friendship through people-to-people exchanges. While speaking highly of their fruitful cooperation in such areas as science and technology, culture, tourism, women, youth, sports and media, the two sides agreed to further expand people-to-people exchanges building on what have already been achieved, strengthen cooperation in radio, television, newspaper and online media, fully leverage the role of legislative and civil friendship groups and other organizations, and work toward setting up a China Cultural Center in Kenya to deepen mutual understanding and tighten the bond between their peoples.

19. The two sides will build consensus on visions through experience-sharing. The two sides will strengthen education exchanges and cooperation, actively promote Chinese language education and support the development of language and vocational education platforms in Kenya including the Confucius Institutes and Luban Workshops, as well as exchanges and cooperation between think tanks and joint scientific and academic research between Chinese and Kenyan universities. China will continue to provide to the Kenyan side scholarships and training opportunities in China. 

V. Promoting Unity and Cooperation Among the Global South

20. The two sides agreed to firmly safeguard the international system with the U.N. at its core, the international order underpinned by international law and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter. The two sides will strengthen coordination and cooperation within the U.N. and other multilateral frameworks to make global governance more just and equitable. The two sides welcome the adoption by the U.N. General Assembly of the U.N. Convention Against Cybercrime and agreed to work together for the early entry into force of the Convention to strengthen international cooperation in combating cybercrime.

21. The two sides are committed to enhancing the representation and voice of the Global South in the international system. The two sides will continue to stand by the core values and basic principles of the World Trade Organization (WTO), support the WTO to make necessary update of its rules through investment facilitation for development among other joint statement initiatives, firmly oppose new hegemonic tools such as unlawful unilateral sanctions, decoupling, tariff barriers and technology blockade, and call for reform of the international financial system to make it more inclusive and equitable, improvement of the development financing for developing countries, and promotion of trade and investment liberalization and facilitation with a view to realizing prosperity for all.

22. The two sides call for necessary reform and strengthening of the U.N. including the Security Council to redress the historical injustice done to Africa, including increasing the representation of developing countries, African countries in particular, in the U.N. and its Security Council. Kenya expressed appreciation for China’s proposal to make special arrangements on the U.N. Security Council reform to meet Africa’s aspiration as a priority. China speaks positively of Kenya’s important role as a member of the AU’s Committee of Ten (C10) Heads of State and Government. The two sides will continue to strengthen coordination and cooperation on the Security Council reform. China supports the strengthening of the United Nations Office at Nairobi into a hub of multilateralism in the global affairs.

23. The two sides agreed to continue to work with other African countries and the international community to make unremitting efforts for the settlement of global hotspot issues including those in Africa to promote world peace, stability and prosperity. The two sides believe that the two-State solution is the only way to resolve the question of Palestine and that Gaza is an inseparable part of the Palestinian territory. Both sides firmly support the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people and oppose the forced transfer of people in Gaza.

24. The two sides believe that the development of human rights should be people-centered, and each country has the right to independently choose the path of human rights development that suits its own reality. The two sides believe that countries should conduct dialogue and cooperation in the field of human rights on the basis of mutual respect and equality, and stand against politicizing, instrumentalizing and applying double standards to human rights issues.

The two sides agreed that President William Ruto’s visit to China was a full success and held great significance for promoting the bilateral relations and for building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. President William Ruto expressed heartfelt appreciation to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government and people for the warm and generous hospitality accorded to him during his visit and invited President Xi Jinping to visit Kenya at his convenience.

After the talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents