The exhibition presents Beijing’s account of Taiwan’s restoration and its position on reunification.
Xinhua’s photo exhibition presents Beijing’s position on Taiwan, while speakers in Nairobi highlight historical ties and urge peaceful dialogue.
A Taiwan restoration exhibition is taking place in Kenya and four other African countries, promoting Beijing’s position on the island. China’s state news agency Xinhua is organising the display, which also covers Tanzania, South Africa, Nigeria and Mozambique.
The exhibition uses historical photographs to present China’s account of Taiwan’s return from Japanese colonial rule in 1945. It also seeks to strengthen ties between Chinese and African communities through shared historical experiences.
Taiwan restoration exhibition opens in Nairobi
At the Nairobi opening, Xinhua’s Africa Regional Bureau Director Ying Qiang outlined the exhibition’s purpose. He said the photographs would help African audiences understand the historical background and China’s position on Taiwan’s future.
Ying said the images documented Taiwan’s restoration and Chinese resistance to foreign aggression. He also linked that history to African countries’ experiences of colonial rule and their struggles for independence.
The event’s theme centres on remembering Taiwan’s restoration and advancing national reunification. It comes as Beijing steps up efforts to defend the one-China principle and oppose Taiwan’s pro-independence forces.
Meanwhile, Ying connected the initiative to wider China-Africa cultural engagement in 2026. That year marks 70 years of diplomatic relations and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
He said Xinhua hoped the images would encourage dialogue, mutual understanding and closer community ties.
Chinese envoy sets out Beijing’s position
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan said challenges to Beijing’s position would not weaken its determination to achieve reunification. She maintained that Taiwan forms part of China and described eventual reunification as inevitable.
Guo also said the exhibition honoured sacrifices during China’s war against Japanese aggression and preserved historical memory. She said it reinforced what Beijing regards as the legal and historical basis of its Taiwan claim.
Mwencha urges peaceful cross-Strait engagement
Former African Union Commission Deputy Chairperson Erastus Mwencha attended the opening and drew parallels with Africa’s anti-colonial struggles. He said resistance to foreign domination had helped shape China-Africa relations.
As examples of solidarity, Mwencha cited Beijing’s support for African liberation movements and the Tanzania-Zambia Railway. He also urged peaceful dialogue and constructive cross-Strait relations in the interests of regional and global security.
Qin Minxue, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification in Eastern Africa, addressed overseas Chinese communities. He urged them to preserve historical memory and build understanding of China’s Taiwan position.
Qin also said the exhibition could honour resistance to colonial rule while educating younger generations. He emphasised the historical significance Beijing attaches to Taiwan’s restoration.
