China's ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan with ex -AUC vice chair Erastus Mwencha during a Xinhua photo exhibition to mark Taiwan restoration, Nairobi, Oct 23. /MOSES OGADA

The Chinese community in Kenya on Friday marked the 81st anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration to China, with Beijing reaffirming its position that the island remains part of its territory.

The event, organised by Xinhua News Agency, featured a photo exhibition documenting Taiwan’s return to Chinese rule in 1945 after 50 years of Japanese colonial occupation.

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan led the commemoration, which brought together diplomats, journalists, foreign policy experts and representatives of the Chinese community.

The exhibition, held under the theme “Remembering Taiwan’s Restoration, Advancing National Reunification”, sought to highlight the historical events surrounding Japan’s surrender in Taiwan on October 25, 1945.

In 2025, China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee designated October 25 as the Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration.

Guo said the exhibition was intended to honour the sacrifices made by the Chinese people in resisting foreign aggression and safeguarding national unity.

She said the event also sought to uphold the post-World War II international order and strengthen support for the One-China principle, which Beijing maintains recognises Taiwan as part of China.

“The restoration of Taiwan is a major victorious outcome of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. It is an important component of the post-war international order,” she said.

Guo cited historical documents, including the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and Japan’s Instrument of Surrender, as part of the historical and legal basis for China’s position on Taiwan.

China maintains that reunification is a national objective, while saying it remains committed to peaceful reunification and the principle of “One Country, Two Systems”.

Guo said Kenya had consistently upheld the One-China principle since the two countries established diplomatic relations.

She cited the 2025 joint statement issued during President William Ruto’s state visit to China, in which Kenya reaffirmed its opposition to Taiwan independence and support for China’s efforts to achieve national reunification.

“China highly appreciates the position of Kenya and believes that Kenya will continue to abide by the One-China principle and firmly support China’s position on issues concerning China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” she said.

The ambassador urged members of the Chinese community in Kenya to continue promoting relations between the two countries and supporting Beijing’s reunification agenda.

Former African Union Commission deputy chairperson Erastus Mwencha linked the commemoration to Africa’s own history of colonialism and the struggle for independence, saying the continent understood the importance of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He said the restoration of Taiwan was part of a wider struggle against imperialism, colonial domination and foreign occupation that shaped the 20th century.

“African freedom was not a gift; it was paid for in blood, from the Mau Mau struggle in Kenya to the liberation movements across Southern Africa,” Mwencha said.

He said China’s support for African liberation movements, including its role in the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA), had helped cement relations between the two sides.

Mwencha also recalled the support African countries gave China at the United Nations in 1971, when the General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, restoring the People’s Republic of China’s representation at the UN.

He said 26 African countries voted in favour of the resolution, demonstrating their support for sovereign equality and international law.

“China’s remarkable economic transformation provides invaluable lessons as Africa advances its own vision under Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said.

Mwencha called for peaceful dialogue across the Taiwan Strait, saying relations should be guided by peace, constructive engagement and regional stability.

Xinhua News Agency Africa Regional Bureau director Ying Qiang said the exhibition was being taken to five African countries: Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Nigeria and Mozambique.

He said the photographs offered an opportunity to reflect on the historical events surrounding Taiwan’s restoration and the wider fight against fascism during World War II.

Ying also highlighted the contribution of African ports and soldiers to the Allied war effort, saying Mombasa and Durban served as important maritime transport and supply centres during the conflict.

He said the shared experience of colonialism had shaped relations between China and African countries, providing a basis for cooperation beyond trade and diplomacy.

The exhibition comes as China and Africa mark 70 years since the establishment of their diplomatic relationship, with 2026 designated the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

Ying said historical exhibitions could deepen understanding between the two sides by allowing people to learn about each other’s experiences and struggles.

“Only by knowing each other’s history can we better understand each other’s present; only by respecting each other’s memory can we better move towards a shared future,” he said.

The event also featured remarks by Leo Zhao, executive vice-president of the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification in Kenya, who urged overseas Chinese to promote Beijing’s reunification agenda and strengthen ties with Kenya.

Zhao said the Chinese community had a role in promoting cultural exchanges and contributing to local development while strengthening relations between Nairobi and Beijing.

The speakers called for respect for national sovereignty, territorial integrity and multilateralism, arguing that international cooperation should be grounded in mutual respect and peaceful engagement.