Trump's trade war: Kenyan President vows closer ties to China during visit
The Hindu
Kenyan President Ruto strengthens ties with China amid global trade war concerns, seeking support for development and cooperation.
Kenyan President William Ruto pledged to build closer ties with China on Thursday (April 24, 2025), a day after saying a global trade war triggered by Washington could deal a “death blow” to the current world order.
Mr. Ruto is on a five-day visit to China, his third trip to Beijing since taking office in 2022. The visit comes at a time when both Kenya and China are seeking to expand ties amid a tariff fight between Washington and Beijing.
Kenya wants to learn from “China's remarkable journey of transformation in governance, economic development and global leadership,” Mr. Ruto said. He thanked Chinese leader Xi Jinping for tens of millions of dollars in support for health, education and disaster relief, as well as for the planned construction of a new complex for Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mr. Ruto, an evangelical Christian from a modest background, was elected on promises to help Kenya's poor in a country struggling with debt. Earlier in his presidency, Mr. Ruto favoured the West and the United States over China. But as U.S. President Donald Trump pulls back from engagement with Africa and slaps tariffs on trade partners, Mr. Ruto is making overtures to Beijing.
Cracks emerge in GOP unity amid Trump trade war
Mr. Xi told Mr. Ruto that “China attaches great importance to China-Kenya relations” and that Beijing would work with Kenya to develop the “unity and cooperation of the global South.” Mr. Xi is looking to shore up partnerships and find solutions for the high trade barrier that the U.S. has imposed on Chinese exports.
Kenya is a key participant in China's Belt and Road Initiative, the ambitious plan that aims to connect Africa, Asia and Europe through massive infrastructure and energy projects. China has funded billions of dollars' worth of Kenyan roads, ports and a railway that runs from the coastal city of Mombasa through the capital, Nairobi.
Hong Kong's upcoming legislative election faces low turnout as residents mourn a devastating fire that claimed 159 lives.
Harvard professor Carlos Portugal Gouvea arrested for discharging a pellet gun near a synagogue; agrees to leave the U.S.
Macron cautioned Zelenskyy that the U.S. might pressure Ukraine into territorial concessions to Russia without security guarantees.
A Canadian national was arrested at the Indo-Nepal border for using a fake immigration stamp on his passport.
Appeals court permits Trump to maintain National Guard deployment in D.C., reversing a lower court's order to withdraw troops.
Iraq retracts its terror designation of Hezbollah and Houthis, citing an error amid regional political pressures and public backlash.
U.S. military strikes drug boats amid scrutiny over legality and rising casualties, prompting investigations and conflicting congressional testimonies.
Indian envoy Santosh Jha meets Sri Lanka’s Housing Minister to discuss reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Ditwah's devastating impact.
The U.S. and Kenya sign a $2.5 billion health deal, marking the start of "America First" global health agreements.
Explore the resilience and daily realities of Ukrainians enduring relentless warfare in a country forever changed by conflict.
Trump's envoys engage with Ukraine amid eased sanctions on Russia, seeking to advance peace negotiations following recent talks with Putin.
Explore China's rural revitalization efforts, showcasing poverty alleviation, local spirit, and sustainable development in its diverse landscapes.
UN Security Council delegates visit Syria for the first time since 1945, aiming to build trust and support national reconciliation.