The Nairobi exhibition highlighted Beijing’s position on Taiwan and national reunification.
Ambassador Guo Haiyan restates Beijing’s position on Taiwan, while former AU official Erastus Mwencha urges peaceful dialogue.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan described Taiwan reunification as inevitable during a photo exhibition in Nairobi. She said challenges to the one-China principle would not change Beijing’s determination to pursue that goal.
Guo spoke at China Square during an exhibition marking the 81st anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration. Chinese diplomatic representatives, overseas Chinese community leaders and Kenyan guests attended the event.
She argued that Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party authorities could neither overturn the historical outcome of World War II nor prevent reunification. Beijing regards Taiwan as its territory and considers reunification a national objective.
Taiwan, however, governs itself through its own elected leadership and institutions. Its political status remains a central dispute across the Taiwan Strait.
Guo outlines Taiwan reunification position
Guo said the exhibition aimed to preserve historical memory and honour sacrifices during China’s war against Japanese aggression. It also sought to strengthen international understanding of the one-China principle.
In support of Beijing’s position, she cited the Cairo Declaration, Potsdam Proclamation and Japan’s Instrument of Surrender. She also referenced United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, adopted in 1971, as part of China’s argument.
Taiwan came under Japanese colonial rule following the 1895 Treaty of Shimonoseki, which ceded the island to Japan. That rule ended after Japan’s defeat in World War II, with a surrender ceremony in Taipei on October 25, 1945.
China designated October 25 as the Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration in 2025. Meanwhile, Guo said Beijing sought to improve livelihoods across the strait through exchanges, cooperation and integrated development.
She also welcomed Kenya’s continued support for the one-China principle. Guo cited a joint statement issued during President William Ruto’s 2025 state visit to China.
Calls for dialogue and community ties
Former African Union Commission Deputy Chairperson Erastus Mwencha linked the exhibition to Africa’s colonial experience and independence struggles. He said those experiences underscored the importance of sovereignty, dignity and international solidarity.
Mwencha also urged peaceful cross-strait relations, stressing dialogue and constructive engagement for regional and global security.
Meanwhile, Leo Zhao urged overseas Chinese communities to preserve historical memory and strengthen ties with Taiwan compatriots in Kenya. Zhao serves as executive vice president of the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification in Kenya.
He also called on those communities to support peaceful reunification. Qin Minxue, chairman of the council in Eastern Africa, urged families to pass cultural heritage to younger generations.
Exhibition reaches five African countries
The exhibition extends beyond Kenya to Tanzania, South Africa, Nigeria and Mozambique. Its photographs document historical events surrounding Taiwan’s restoration and seek to explain Beijing’s sovereignty and reunification position.
