NAIROBI — China’s Ambassador to Kenya has once again voiced Beijing’s firm opposition to any push for Taiwan’s independence, calling on overseas Chinese communities to play an active role in supporting the country’s reunification goals.
Speaking on Tuesday at the opening of a new regional conference in Nairobi, Ambassador Guo Haiyan described national unity as a cornerstone of China’s strength and stability.
“We urge Chinese communities abroad to continue building bridges, strengthening unity, and contributing to the great cause of national rejuvenation and reunification,” she said at the inaugural Conference of Overseas Chinese in East Africa for the Promotion of the Peaceful Reunification of China.
The ambassador’s remarks came days after the World Health Organization’s annual assembly rejected a proposal to grant Taiwan observer status a move China had strongly opposed. The WHO decision, backed by many of its member states, was interpreted by Beijing as a reaffirmation of the “one-China principle,” which sees Taiwan as part of China.
Chinese Ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Chen Xu, said the proposal to invite Taiwan had “challenged the authority of the United Nations and the post-war international order.”
In a statement released before the WHO meeting, China’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its long-held stance: “Taiwan, without approval from the central government, has no basis, reason or right to take part in the World Health Assembly.” It added that any attempt to defy UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 which recognises the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government was an attack on China’s sovereignty and a threat to global consensus.
While Beijing has made similar appeals in the past, this week’s event in Kenya marked a notable effort to rally support from its diaspora in East Africa, where China maintains a strong diplomatic and economic presence.
More than 300 Chinese nationals from across the region took part in the Nairobi gathering. Among them was Gao Wei, Chairman of the Kenya Overseas Chinese Association, who echoed the ambassador’s call.
“We are committed to deepening cooperation and offering firm support to China’s peaceful reunification efforts,” Gao said.
The event concluded with the unveiling of the “Nairobi Declaration,” a document organisers say reflects a united stance by overseas Chinese in East Africa in support of national unity and “the peaceful resolution of the Taiwan issue.”
The Taiwan question remains one of China’s most sensitive diplomatic matters. Beijing has repeatedly warned against any moves particularly from Western governments to elevate Taiwan’s international standing or military capabilities. Taiwan, which has operated with de facto independence since 1949, insists on its right to participate in international bodies like the WHO, especially on public health grounds.
So far, countries such as the United States have called for Taiwan’s inclusion in global discussions, citing its strong health system and democratic governance. But China has maintained its diplomatic pressure, arguing that such steps violate its sovereignty and the globally recognised one-China policy.
Tuesday’s event in Nairobi is unlikely to shift the global debate, but it signals that Beijing is doubling down on its effort to shore up support not just at home, but abroad.
