China has hit back at the United States over its criticism of Kenya’s growing diplomatic and economic ties with Beijing as the two superpowers tussle over dalliance with Nairobi.
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Beijing has termed Washington’s stance a relic of “Cold War mentality” and an infringement on Kenya’s sovereignty.
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Chinese diplomats and analysts accused the US of hypocrisy, noting that America has long maintained extensive partnerships across the globe.
Speaking in Nairobi, Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan condemned what she called “external forces” seeking to dictate Kenya’s foreign policy choices, reaffirming Beijing’s commitment to mutual growth and development.
“A few days ago, a certain country claimed that it would conduct a so-called ‘review’ of Kenya’s relationship with China,” she said.
Haiyan made the remarks as Kenya and China jointly marked the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, during a ceremony at the Nairobi National Museum.
She said China-Kenya cooperation is rooted in mutual benefit and respect, questioning why it should concern other nations.
“It is the typical Cold War mentality and hegemonic behaviour to disrupt other countries' developing friendly cooperation out of narrow-minded prejudice to serve their own interests, which we resolutely oppose,” Haiyan said.
The sharp rebuke comes against a backdrop of rising diplomatic tensions between Washington and Nairobi, following President William Ruto’s deepening engagement with Beijing.
In April, during a state visit to China, Ruto publicly praised Beijing’s role in shaping what he called a “new world order,” a statement that stirred unease in Washington.
Earlier this month, US Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Jim Risch announced that the Senate would review Kenya’s designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) — a move widely interpreted as a signal of Washington’s discomfort with Nairobi’s growing closeness to China.
The status, granted in 2024, provides military and economic benefits, including access to US defence contracts and joint training programmes.
The review, anchored in the National Defence Authorisation Act for Fiscal Year 2026, cites concerns over Kenya’s growing alignment with China.
Risch cited Nairobi’s participation in Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative and perceived distancing from Washington.
Among the Donald Trump administration’s concerns is that Kenya and China's ties run deep, and it wants a probe into the high-value contracts Chinese have been awarded in Kenya.
Chinese scholars argue that the US is using Kenya’s MNNA status as leverage, exposing its inconsistent Africa policy and eroding trust in American commitments.
Among issues that have escalated tensions between the US and Nairobi, the Star gathers, is Kenya’s resolute stance against Taiwan independence.
China lauded Kenya's unwavering commitment to the One-China Principle. Ambassador Haiyan emphasised that Taiwan's return to China in 1945 was a pivotal outcome of World War II, saying it was enshrined in international agreements such as the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation.
"The historical and legal facts are undeniable," Haiyan said, praising Kenya for its "consistent commitment" to opposing 'Taiwan independence' and supporting China's reunification.
Kenya had responded to the United States over the assertions by Senator Risch and the intended legislative review.
Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi dismissed the move as "not the official stance of the US government" but rather a proposal by individual lawmakers.
Kenyan lawmakers have also pushed back against US pressure, framing the country’s engagement with China as part of a broader strategy to diversify alliances.
Nelson Koech, chair of National Assembly’s Defence committee, argued that President Ruto’s remarks in Beijing were not an abandonment of US ties but a call for a "more just global system" where Africa plays a greater role in international governance.
President Ruto said Kenya’s cooperation with China is "intentional and in the nation’s best interest," even if it "upsets traditional allies".
The standoff reflects a larger struggle for influence in Africa, where China has become the continent’s top trading partner and a key infrastructure financier.
Several nations, including Kenya, have resisted US pressure to "choose sides," emphasising their right to independent foreign policy.
China’s trade and infrastructure investments are billed as aligning more closely with Africa’s development needs, making decoupling politically and economically unfeasible.
The Friday event brought together dignitaries, including Kisii Governor Simba Arati, Gender PS Anne Wang'ombe, and ex-deputy AUC chair Erastus Mwencha.
They joined China in honouring the historic sacrifices while calling for renewed commitment to peace and multilateralism.
Mwencha, a prominent Kenyan diplomat, said, "China made immense sacrifices under the leadership of the CPC, fighting with unyielding courage. The casualties testify to the nation's spirit in defending its sovereignty."
He affirmed Kenya's alignment with peace and opposition to military aggression, drawing parallels between WWII's failures and today's geopolitical tensions.
"WWII was caused by tensions between nations, the rise of fascism and economic turmoil. Today, we must learn from the past to chart a better future," he added, praising China's role in promoting multilateralism and development in Africa.
PS Wangombe said, “The Chinese People’s War of Resistance was an integral part of the global struggle against fascism.”
“The courage of the Chinese people, who endured immense suffering, mirrors the resilience of Kenyans during our own colonial struggles.”
Wang’ombe highlighted how the war accelerated the collapse of colonial systems worldwide, paving the way for Kenya’s independence in 1963.
She emphasised the importance of remembering history, not to dwell on past grievances but to build a future rooted in peace and cooperation.
About 35 million Chinese military and civilian casualties were suffered during the 14-year resistance against Japanese aggression.
“China’s victory was a turning point in our national rejuvenation,” the PS said. “It re-established China’s status as a major country and set the stage for our modern development.”
Arati said Kenya and China “share a profound bond”, as well as with other countries of the Global South.
“Like China, Kenya fought to overthrow colonial rule and achieve national awakening and independence in the wake of the World Anti-Fascist War,” the governor said.
“The war exposed the exploitative nature of Western colonial powers, who competed fiercely for the resources of the Global South, demanding supplies and troops from these countries while causing immense suffering,” he said.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
While Washington wields military alliances as leverage, Beijing appears keen to gain ground with its economic diplomacy, leaving Kenya to balance strategic partnerships without ceding sovereignty. Experts hold that Kenya and China working together in the commemoration serves as a reminder that the fight against fascism was not just a historical event but a continuing mission ‘to create a more just and equitable world’.
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