Kenya doubles down on One-China Policy to woo Beijing

Kenya’s top diplomat, Musalia Mudavadi, delivered a diplomatic charm offensive in Changsha on Tuesday, reiterating Kenya’s commitment to the One-China Policy in a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Mudavadi, attending the FOCAC Ministers’ Summit, confirmed that Nairobi’s stance on Taiwan had been officially codified in the country’s latest parliamentary sessional paper, calling it proof of Kenya’s “seriousness” in upholding China’s top foreign policy priority.

In a move that leaves no room for ambiguity, Mudavadi underscored that Nairobi “does not, and will not”, recognise Taiwan as an independent state.

This position was first articulated by President William Ruto during his 2025 state visit to Beijing, a diplomatic vow that has now been formalised in Kenya’s foreign policy framework.

This is no surprise: the One-China Principle is the non-negotiable foundation of Beijing’s foreign relations.

Taiwan’s status as a territory of China is the price of entry for trade deals, infrastructure loans, and other economic cooperation that China dangles before African partners.

And the model works: 53 African countries maintain ties with Beijing, leaving Eswatini as Taiwan’s only diplomatic outpost on the continent—a position that costs it Beijing’s economic largesse but wins Taipei’s aid.

Meanwhile, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic remains the only other African state, though not internationally recognised without Chinese diplomatic ties.

For Kenya, reaffirming the One-China Principle, no matter how often, remains the currency for continued Chinese investment, trade, and diplomatic warmth.

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• Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi
• China Kenya trade
• One China policy
• China Africa
• Kenya doubles down on One-China Policy to woo Beijing
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