Latest news with #China-Kenya
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
China backs Kenya in trade justice fight, reaffirms firm tariff stance
China has reiterated its steadfast stance on promoting fair global trade, vowing unwavering support for Global South nations in upholding multilateralism and opposing economic coercion. Speaking in Nairobi after President William Ruto's recent state visit to China, Chinese to Kenya Ambassador Guo Haiyan said that Beijing would not yield to external pressure on trade issues. But she reaffirmed China's willingness to engage in dialogue, provided it is grounded in mutual respect.'Our position is consistent and clear: We will fight, if fight we must. Our doors are open to negotiation. But if a negotiated solution is truly what the US wants, it must stop exerting extreme pressure, stop threatening and blackmailing China, and seek dialogue based on equality, respect, and mutual benefit,' Ambassador Guo said. President Donald Trump's tariffs, the highest ever imposed on China, have sparked outrage, amid fears they could destabilise the global economy. Ambassador Guo dismissed recent claims by US officials that Washington and Beijing were engaged in tariff negotiations.'China and the US are not having any consultations or negotiations on tariffs,' she said. Chinese goods exported to the US face a tariff of 145 percent, while US exports to China face a tariff of 125 percent. The ambassador praised President Ruto's state visit to China terming it a significant milestone in the growing partnership between the two nations.'This visit achieved a complete success which is of great significance for the future development of China-Kenya relations as well as cooperation of the two countries and even the Global South,' she stated. 'The visit achieved fruitful results and reaffirmed China's strong support for Kenya's development journey.'President Ruto's trip was his first state visit to China since taking office, and third overall and reaffirmed Nairobi's strategic ties with Beijing, at a time when China remains Kenya's largest infrastructure partner and a top trading ally. She said the signing of key agreements on infrastructure, trade, and technology reflects a strong, shared vision for enhanced cooperation. During the Kenya-China Private Sector Roundtable and Business Forum, President Ruto oversaw the signing of investment agreements worth $1.06 billion across key sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure. These projects are projected to create over 28,000 jobs, boosting Kenya's economic growth. Key highlights include the development of a Special Economic Zone in Kilifi and new agribusiness ventures in Kajiado and Baringo counties, signalling a major push for industrialisation and food security. The head of state used the forum to reiterate Kenya's opposition to protectionist policies, calling for fairness in global commerce. Read: Kenya's Ruto dangles tax breaks, Agoa to Chinese investors'Trade wars undermine the existing international order,' he said, thanking China for defending the rights of developing nations. President Xi Jinping echoed this sentiment, pledging to strengthen cooperation with Kenya and other developing countries in order to confront global challenges and uphold multilateral trade systems.'This visit has produced positive results and reaffirmed China's strong support for Kenya's development,' said Ambassador Guo. On infrastructure, China reiterated its commitment to supporting major connectivity projects, including, extending the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Malaba, upgrading the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit-Malaba highway, constructing the Kiambu and Eldoret bypasses, and building the Nithi Bridge.'This collaboration reinforces Kenya's position as a pivotal Belt and Road Initiative partner and enhances trade integration across East Africa,' she said. President Ruto argued for the restructuring of major global institutions, such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the United Nations Security Council, which he described as outdated and disproportionately influenced by Western powers. At a public lecture at Peking University, he said that these institutions were designed to address post-World War II challenges and now require radical reforms to effectively tackle today's global issues. Ambassador Guo announced plans to hold a China-Kenya Culture and Tourism Season later this year, focusing on youth exchanges and tourism. The two countries will support and participate in the 2026 Year of China-Africa People-to-People Exchanges. © Copyright 2022 Nation Media Group. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
IOL News
24-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Bilateral talks between Xi Jinping and William Ruto elevate China-Kenya ties
Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Kenyan President William Ruto in Beijing on Thursday, with both sides agreeing to elevate their bilateral ties to a China-Kenya community with a shared future for the new era. Noting that the move is a strategic choice for both sides, Xi said that in response to the historical trend and the trend of the times, China is willing to work with Kenya to create an example in the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, and lead the development of China-Africa relations and the forging of solidarity and cooperation among Global South countries. China and Kenya should continue to firmly support each other in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, firmly support each other in exploring development paths that suit their respective national conditions and deepen exchanges of experience in state governance, Xi said. He called on both sides to enhance regular policy communication, build connectivity at a higher level, promote sustainable trade, explore diversified financial integration, carry forward the friendship forged through generations, and be leaders in advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. Xi noted that China's supersized market has always remained open to high-quality Kenyan products and encouraged more capable Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Kenya.
Business Insider
24-04-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
China and Kenya strengthen ties amid global turmoil
China and Kenya elevated their bilateral relations to a "new level" on Thursday during a meeting between President Xi Jinping and Kenyan President William Ruto in Beijing. China and Kenya elevated their bilateral relations to a new level during a meeting between President Xi Jinping and Kenyan President William Ruto in Beijing. The upgraded partnership aims to strengthen global stability through China-Africa solidarity and cooperation. China has financed the development of a modern railway line connecting the port of Mombasa to Kenya's inland regions, and will construct a state-of-the-art Foreign Affairs Complex in Nairobi. President William Ruto is in China for a five-day state visit to strengthen bilateral ties, boost trade and investment, and advance infrastructure cooperation. In a joint statement, both presidents expressed their dedication to strengthening global stability through the certainty of China-Africa solidarity and cooperation. The joint statement further emphasized that this upgraded partnership would serve as a foundation to protect the "common interests of developing countries" and defend the multilateral system through "inclusive economic globalization." President Xi Jinping highlighted that the decision to deepen China-Kenya relations comes at a time of increasing global uncertainty. China's Belt and Road Initiative: A key focus on Africa Africa has become a focal point in Xi's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013 to expand China's geopolitical and economic influence through global infrastructure development. Kenya, a significant recipient of BRI investments, has been pivotal in this strategy. Nairobi has secured substantial loans from China to finance major infrastructure projects, solidifying China as Kenya's largest bilateral lender in the process, according to Reuters. Among the key projects funded by China is the development of a modern railway line connecting the port of Mombasa to Kenya's inland regions. Additionally, Kenya is poised to finalize an agreement with China for the development of a cutting-edge Foreign Affairs Complex in Nairobi. DON'T MISS THIS: Top 10 African countries with the weakest currencies in April 2025 The new headquarters will provide a modern, spacious facility to accommodate the growing demands of Kenya's global diplomatic presence. While the exact location remains undisclosed, the Foreign Affairs Complex is one of several multi-billion-shilling agreements expected to be finalized during Ruto's visit, reflecting significant investments that promise to drive future growth and development.
Eyewitness News
24-04-2025
- Business
- Eyewitness News
China and Kenya pledge to upgrade ties, oppose tariffs
BEIJING - China and Kenya agreed on Thursday to boost ties to a new level and oppose trade barriers, following talks between President Xi Jinping and his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto in Beijing. Relations between Beijing and Nairobi will be upgraded to a "China-Kenya community with a shared future for the new era", Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported after the two leaders met during Ruto's state visit. Africa is vital to China's Belt and Road overseas infrastructure project, launched in 2013, with Kenya as a key partner. China is the East African nation's biggest bilateral lender, with Nairobi receiving loans from Beijing to finance projects like a $5 billion railway connecting the capital with the port city of Mombasa. In a joint statement Thursday, the two countries pledged to reject "hegemonism, power politics and all forms of unilateralism and protectionism". They also said they oppose "unilateral sanctions, decoupling, tariff barriers and technology blockade", while expressing support for the World Trade Organization. Despite a "turbulent international situation", the countries will work together to build "all-weather" China-Africa relations, Xi told Ruto during their meeting. China is locked in an escalating tit-for-tat trade battle with the United States, triggered by President Donald Trump's levies on Chinese goods. The tariff blitz has rattled markets and raised fears of a global recession. On Thursday, Ruto hailed Kenya and China's "strategic partnership" for delivering "practical, tangible, impactful and sustainable win-win situations". The countries signed 20 documents, including agreements on science and technology, vocational education, water resources and the Belt and Road Initiative. While the BRI has provided countries like Kenya with much-needed infrastructure funding, critics say it has burdened governments with debt. In 2023, when Kenya owed Beijing more than $8 billion, Ruto asked China for a $1 billion loan and the restructuring of existing debt to complete stalled construction projects. The Kenyan president visited China in September for a gathering of African leaders, where Beijing pledged more than $50 billion in financing for Africa over three years, including $141 million in military assistance to the continent. Xi and Ruto on Thursday also agreed to enhance security exchanges with greater cooperation in personnel training, the defence industry, counterterrorism, and joint exercises and training.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
China and Kenya pledge to upgrade ties, oppose tariffs
AI Image BEIJING: China and Kenya agreed on Thursday to boost ties to a new level and oppose trade barriers, following talks between President Xi Jinping and his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto in Beijing. Relations between Beijing and Nairobi will be upgraded to a "China-Kenya community with a shared future for the new era", Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported after the two leaders met during Ruto's state visit. Africa is vital to China's Belt and Road overseas infrastructure project, launched in 2013, with Kenya as a key partner. China is the East African nation's biggest bilateral lender, with Nairobi receiving loans from Beijing to finance projects like a $5 billion railway connecting the capital with the port city of Mombasa. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo In a joint statement Thursday, the two countries pledged to reject "hegemonism, power politics and all forms of unilateralism and protectionism". They also said they oppose "unilateral sanctions, decoupling, tariff barriers and technology blockade", while expressing support for the World Trade Organization. Despite a "turbulent international situation", the countries will work together to build "all-weather" China-Africa relations, Xi told Ruto during their meeting. China is locked in an escalating tit-for-tat trade battle with the United States, triggered by President Donald Trump's levies on Chinese goods. The tariff blitz has rattled markets and raised fears of a global recession. On Thursday, Ruto hailed Kenya and China's "strategic partnership" for delivering "practical, tangible, impactful and sustainable win-win situations". The countries signed 20 documents, including agreements on science and technology, vocational education, water resources and the Belt and Road Initiative . While the BRI has provided countries like Kenya with much-needed infrastructure funding, critics say it has burdened governments with debt. In 2023, when Kenya owed Beijing more than $8 billion, Ruto asked China for a $1 billion loan and the restructuring of existing debt to complete stalled construction projects. The Kenyan president visited China in September for a gathering of African leaders, where Beijing pledged more than $50 billion in financing for Africa over three years, including $141 million in military assistance to the continent. Xi and Ruto on Thursday also agreed to enhance security exchanges with greater cooperation in personnel training, the defence industry, counterterrorism, and joint exercises and training.
