Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Guo Haiyan, has dismissed recent calls by some U.S. senators to reassess Washington’s relations with Nairobi over its cooperation with Beijing, terming the move as “unwarranted interference.”
Speaking on Friday during the opening ceremony of an exhibition at the National Museums of Kenya to mark the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Ambassador Guo stressed that China-Kenya relations are rooted in mutual benefit and should remain free from external influence.
“A few days ago, a certain country claimed it would conduct a so-called ‘review’ of Kenya’s relationship with China. China-Kenya friendly cooperation is for the well-being of our two peoples. What does it have to do with other countries?” she posed.
She described the U.S. senators’ position as a manifestation of “Cold War mentality and hegemonic behavior” aimed at undermining bilateral partnerships. “We resolutely oppose any attempts to disrupt friendly cooperation out of prejudice to serve narrow interests,” she added.
The envoy further cautioned against unilateralism and practices that weaken the United Nations system, saying the world must uphold the principles of sovereign equality and non-interference.
“Eight decades have elapsed, yet unilateralism, hegemony and bullying are causing great harm. The human race once again finds itself at the crossroads between unity and division, dialogue and confrontation, win-win cooperation and zero-sum games,” she remarked.
Touching on the Taiwan issue, Ambassador Guo reaffirmed Beijing’s position that the island’s return to China was a key outcome of World War II. She commended Kenya for consistently backing the One-China Principle and opposing all forms of “Taiwan independence.”
The event brought together senior leaders and dignitaries, including Kisii Governor Simba Arati, Principal Secretary for Gender and Affirmative Action Anne Wang’ombe, MP Stephen Mogaka, former African Union Deputy Chairperson Erastus Mwencha, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
Ambassador Guo emphasized that the commemoration was not only about honoring fallen heroes but also about drawing lessons from history to safeguard peace and enhance global cooperation.
“History is the best teacher and the best dose of sobriety. We must resolutely oppose hegemony and power politics in all forms and work together to create a better future for humanity,” she concluded.