Kenya’s President William Ruto has positioned Nairobi as a strategic bridge between global powers, offering to mediate between China and the United States amid renewed tensions between the two economic giants.
Speaking during his official visit to Beijing — the first African state visit to China in 2025 — Ruto emphasized Kenya’s unique diplomatic posture. He drew a symbolic parallel with his May 2024 state visit to the United States, which marked the first African state visit to Washington in over 15 years.
This visit mirrors my earlier one to the United States. Perhaps Kenya can serve as a bridge between East and West, North and South in today’s divided world,”
Ruto said.
The visit comes at a time when trade tensions are flaring, with both China and the U.S. imposing steep tariffs on each other’s goods. Ruto urged global leaders to move away from confrontation and toward cooperation, especially through inclusive multilateral systems.
Africa’s Moment on the Global Stage
President Ruto championed Africa’s economic potential, pointing to demographic trends as evidence that the continent’s moment is now.
“By 2050, Africa will hold a quarter of the world’s workforce — just as China does today. If the first half of this century belongs to China, the second half belongs to Africa,”
he declared.
He called for more investments in Africa’s youthful population, asserting that global capital should flow where labor and opportunity are abundant. He also inaugurated the Kenya Tea Holding Centre in Fujian Province to expand the presence of Kenyan tea in Asian markets.
Calling for UN Security Council Reform
In his address, Ruto made a bold call for reforming the United Nations Security Council. He proposed increasing the number of permanent members from five to twelve — with each continent receiving equal representation.
“Europe already holds three seats. It is time Africa, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas each get equal voice. A restructured Council will reflect today’s realities and uphold the principle of equality among nations,”
he said.
Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to a One-China policy, support for a two-state solution in the Middle East, and preference for dialogue over escalation in global conflicts.
As global divisions deepen, Ruto’s message from Beijing signals a new chapter in Kenya’s foreign policy — one that seeks balance, cooperation, and strategic leadership on the world stage.