China has invoked Africa’s liberation history and its longstanding ties with the continent in a renewed push for support for its position on Taiwan, with former African Union Commission deputy chairperson Erastus Mwencha drawing parallels between the island’s history and Africa’s struggle against colonial rule.

Speaking at a photo exhibition in Nairobi marking the 81st anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration, Mwencha said Africa understood the importance of sovereignty, territorial integrity and self-determination because of the sacrifices made during the continent’s liberation struggles.

He cited Kenya’s Mau Mau uprising and liberation movements across Southern Africa, saying the experience of foreign domination had given African countries a deep appreciation of national independence and dignity.

“African freedom was not a gift; it was paid for in blood, from the Mau Mau struggle in Kenya to the liberation movements across Southern Africa,” Mwencha said.

He argued that the historical relationship between China and Africa was shaped by their common opposition to colonialism, pointing to China’s support for African liberation movements and its involvement in major development projects such as the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) railway.

“Our relationship was not born out of mere commercial interest or diplomatic convenience; it was forged in the crucible of a common struggle against colonialism and foreign domination,” he said.

The remarks featured prominently at the exhibition, titled Remembering Taiwan’s Restoration and Advancing National Reunification, held at China Square in Nairobi from October 23 to 29.

The event brought together Chinese diplomatic representatives, members of the Chinese community and other guests to commemorate October 25, 1945, the date China recognises as Taiwan’s restoration following Japan’s surrender in the Second World War.

Mwencha said the historical ties between China and Africa should inform their future cooperation, particularly as African countries pursue industrialisation, trade and economic transformation.

He cited the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area as frameworks through which the continent could advance its development ambitions. He also referred to China’s announced duty-free market access for 53 African countries and said 17 African states were participating in the Shanghai International Import Expo.

But his remarks also touched on the diplomatic significance of Taiwan, with Mwencha saying the African Union’s One-China policy reflected the importance the continent placed on sovereignty and national unity.

He said he hoped relations across the Taiwan Strait would remain peaceful and be characterised by dialogue and constructive engagement in the interest of regional and global security.

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan used the exhibition to call for continued Kenyan support for Beijing’s position on Taiwan and its goal of national reunification.

Guo said Kenya had reaffirmed its position in a joint statement issued during President William Ruto’s state visit to China in 2025. She cited the statement as evidence of Nairobi’s opposition to any form of Taiwan independence and support for China’s efforts towards reunification.

China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and considers reunification a national priority. Taiwan, however, has its own elected government and operates separately from the People’s Republic of China.

Guo said the exhibition was intended to preserve historical memory, honour those who resisted Japanese aggression and promote what China considers the historical and legal basis for its position on Taiwan.

She referred to the 1943 Cairo Declaration, the 1945 Potsdam Proclamation and Japan’s Instrument of Surrender, arguing that the documents supported the return of Taiwan to China after the war.

She also cited United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, adopted in 1971, which recognised the representatives of the People’s Republic of China as the only legitimate representatives of China at the United Nations. The resolution addressed China’s representation at the UN; its implications for Taiwan’s sovereignty remain disputed.

Leo Zhao, executive vice-president of the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification in Kenya, called on overseas Chinese communities to preserve the history of the war against Japan, strengthen ties with Taiwanese people living in Kenya and support peaceful reunification.

He said Chinese communities abroad could also serve as bridges between China and Africa by promoting cultural exchange, deepening bilateral friendship and contributing to local development.

He further stressed the need to preserve historical memory while promoting peace, dialogue and mutual understanding amid continuing tensions across the Taiwan Strait.