China used this year’s United Nations Chinese Language Day celebrations in Nairobi to push its cultural diplomacy and call for stronger global cooperation amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiya led the fete, hailing Mandarin, which is one of the six official languages of the United Nations, as a unifier.

The envoy said she was elated to see more Kenyans and China’s friends learn Chinese, adding that it shows the language’s wide reach.

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“It shows that the Chinese language is increasingly reaching the world and resonating with people’s hearts,” Amb Guo said in Nairobi. Chinese nationals, UN officials led by Zainab Bangura – director general of the UN Office in Nairobi (UNON) – attended the event.

This year’s theme is ‘Characters endure, civilisation shines’, and focused on the place of Calligraphy in advancing Chinese language. “Calligraphy embodies the value of “harmony in diversity.” Its beauty lies in inclusiveness,” Amb Guo said.

She used the 2026 celebrations to call for stronger multilateral cooperation amid the rising global tensions. The envoy underscored the growing appeal of the Chinese, describing it as a bridge for cultural exchanges and a tool for deepening ties.

“I am pleased to see that Chinese is becoming a “golden key”, unlocking opportunities in Africa and in Kenya,” she said.

The Chinese envoy cited how more young Africans were “not only learning to communicate the technical language in Chinese but also expressing emotions through calligraphy.”

She presented calligraphy as more than an art form but as a carrier of China’s values and worldview shaped over thousands of years. She described calligraphy as embodying harmony in diversity.

“Calligraphy also conveys a worldview of harmonious coexistence. Its beauty lies in harmony,” Amb Guo said. Calligraphy’s balance of structure and flexibility is said to mirror the need for countries to respect differences while working toward shared goals.

“If the United Nations is compared to a work of calligraphy, then every Member State is an indispensable stroke,” the envoy said. “Some strokes are strong like horizontal and vertical lines, upholding pillars of security; some are delicate like dots, shaping the details of development; others extend like sweeping strokes, enhancing people’s well-being,” Amb Guo said.

Drawing parallels with diplomacy, Amb Guo noted that despite ideological divisions, nations can overcome disputes and achieve consensus. The principle, she said, is reflected in the practice of calligraphy, emphasising that nations need to appreciate diversity.

“Only when countries respect one another on the basis of equality can this work called ‘multilateralism’ truly allow each to shine in its own way and in harmony with others, and stand the test of history,” the envoy said.

The ambassador used the platform to restate China’s position on global governance, vouching for inclusivity, mutual respect, and cooperation in tackling mounting challenges.

She made reference to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Global Civilization Initiative which advocates respect for the diversity of civilisations.

“The world’s more than 2,500 ethnic groups each possess unique beauty, together forming a rich garden of human civilization,” Amb Guo said. China held that in line with Xi’s call for ‘building a community with a shared future for mankind’, countries need to reject isolationism and pursue joint solutions.

“Decoupling or isolation are not solutions. Countries should coexist harmoniously,” the envoy said. The speech also highlighted growing China-Africa cultural and educational links, with 2026 designated as the Year of China-Africa People-to-People Exchanges.

Guo pointed to initiatives such as Confucius Institutes and Luban Workshops in Nairobi, where African youth are learning Chinese language and technical skills. The ambassador also cited popular cultural events like Nairobi’s Spring Festival Temple Fair, which has introduced more Kenyans to Chinese traditions.

Bangura, for her part, said the celebrations underscored the importance of cultural exchanges and mutual respect “particularly in strengthening relations between Africa, China, and the broader international community.

“Language remains a vital channel for dialogue, cooperation, and shared progress,” the UNON director general said.

“I encourage us all to continue promoting multilingualism in our work, ensuring that every language of the United Nations is respected and valued,” she said.

The ceremony was marked by acrobatic performances, dance, and songs by both Chinese and Kenyan nationals. The pieces showcased the perfect blend of Chinese and African cultures.