Kenya and China Enhance Military Relations
China remains the biggest peacekeeping personnel contributor among the UN Security Council permanent members, having deployed more than 50,000 troops.
Briefing on recent progress, she referred to President William Ruto's state visit to China earlier this year,Photo/ Citizen Digital.
By Juliet Jerotich
Kenya and China have renewed their commitment to enhance military relations as they celebrated the 98th anniversary of the founding of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in a ceremony in Nairobi.
The event, organized by the Chinese Embassy, was graced by top military officials, diplomats, and senior government officials from both countries. The event was utilized to look back at the growing bilateral relationship, especially regarding defense cooperation and peace support operations.
Chinese Envoy to Kenya, Guo Haiyan—in a speech she referred to as her farewell address—reflected on the evolution of the PLA into a contemporary army, attributing its growth to the steadfast leadership of the Communist Party of China and the determination of the Chinese people.
“That is an accomplishment that testifies to the resilience of the Chinese people and the dedication of the People’s Army,” stated Ambassador Guo.
She reaffirmed China’s long commitment to world peace and stability, reminding the world of its role during World War II and its huge contribution to United Nations peacekeeping missions. China remains the biggest peacekeeping personnel contributor among the UN Security Council permanent members, having deployed more than 50,000 troops to 25 missions since 1990.
In addition, China has dispatched 47 naval escort fleets to the Gulf of Aden, ensuring maritime security for more than 1,600 merchant ships.
Guo urged the international community to remember the experience of the anti-fascist war and World War II, and to protect peace, multilateral cooperation, and adherence to international law.
Briefing on recent progress, she referred to President William Ruto‘s state visit to China earlier this year, during which the two nations decided to enhance cooperation on counterterrorism, joint exercises, and capacity building.
“We are ready to further develop China-Africa peace and security cooperation and live up to our responsibility as a major power,” she said.
Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces, Kenya Army Commander Lieutenant General David Keter praised the PLA for its professionalism and for valuable training opportunities extended to Kenyan servicemen.
“Our servicemen have had high-quality training engagements with the PLA, which have expanded our strategic capabilities and enhanced our operational readiness,” he said.
He further mentioned sustained collaboration on humanitarian response, people-to-people exchanges, and multinational peace operations as key facets of the growing defense partnership.
“In unity, we continue to nurture the enduring friendship between the Kenya Defence Forces and the People’s Liberation Army,” Keter concluded.
The ceremony ended with a toast to the commemoration of the PLA history, the Kenya-China friendship enhancement, and a shared aspiration for a peaceful and secure world in the future.
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