China Sends Kenya Stern Warning Ahead Of Ruto’s State Visit
China has warned Kenya and other nations against taking sides in the continuing trade battle with the United States, claiming that doing so might have major diplomatic and economic consequences.
The Chinese Commerce Ministry issued a statement on Monday following reports that Donald Trump’s administration intends to press countries to restrict trade with China.
“Seeking temporary self-interest at the expense of others — in exchange for so-called exemptions — is like asking a tiger for its skin,” the Chinese Commerce Ministry said in their statement.
China firmly opposes any deal between the United States and its trading partners at the expense of Chinese interests, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said on Monday. #XinhuaNews pic.twitter.com/TPXhMg1RSM
— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) April 21, 2025
“In the end, it will achieve nothing and harm both others and oneself.”
The strongly worded statement ended with a warning, stating, “China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests.
“If such a situation arises, China will not accept it and will resolutely take reciprocal countermeasures.”
The warning puts Kenya on an economic tightrope, as the government must tread carefully or risk losing one of its most important trading partners over the last two decades, China.
President William Ruto is already on his way to Beijing for a state visit, as China aims to strengthen its presence in Africa in order to discover new markets for its products.
Press Release: pic.twitter.com/eOHNvRnZSP
— Hussein Mohamed, MBS. (@HusseinMohamedg) April 21, 2025
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This will not be simple, too, because Kenya will have to placate the US, which has stopped its “reciprocal” tariffs on most nations for 90 days to focus on the economic struggle with Beijing.
Meanwhile, China interpreted the halt as an attempt by the US to move the balance in their favor.
China has issued a formal warning to countries considering trade agreements with the United States that could harm Beijing’s interests.
— R. D. Curran (Rocky) (@rocky_outcrop) April 21, 2025
The Chinese Commerce Ministry stated that while it respects negotiations conducted on equal terms, it will firmly oppose and respond to deals… pic.twitter.com/KS6pr55sTN
Since the escalation of trade battles, tariffs on Chinese imports have increased by an astounding 145%. To counter this, China increased duties on US goods by 125 percent.
Despite Kenya being partners with both China and the US, the Chinese warning should not be taken lightly, especially because relations with the Asian superpower go beyond just trading.
China Sends Kenya Stern Warning Ahead Of Ruto’s State Visit
