China supports the People's choice in Kenya

As the people of Kenya slowly disengage from the spirited process of electing its new leaders, Kenyans will remember and continue to debate the role of the international community and diplomatic partners in this arduous process.

While several foreign countries and foreign media gave controversial opinions on the highly polarized elections, China stuck to the principle of non-interference. China does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries or impose its will on others. Its foreign policy, especially towards Africa is based on equality, mutual respect and win-win cooperation.

In a press conference just before the elections, the Chief of information and public affairs section at the Chinese embassy in Nairobi reiterated that China will strictly adhere to the principle of non interference and expressed their confidence in the Kenyan people to conduct peaceful and credible elections. He stated that China is ready to work with the new government. Friendly states respect each other’s sovereignty, core interests and choice of social system and development path.

Despite China’s growing influence internationally, coupled with increased interest in Africa, it has shown respect to Kenyans by letting them elect leaders of their choice.

Equality and mutual trust constitute the political foundation for the sound and steady growth of International relations in the new world order. Countries, big or small, developed or developing are all equals. This is the norm enshrined in the UN charter and universally accepted. 

However, hegemonism, power politics and neo-interventionism continue to plague the international system. International political inequality still exists, and the right to independent choice in politics, economics and overall development of developing countries is still widely abused.

China is a rising global power both politically and economically. Nevertheless, it has remained humble and respectful developing countries. Despite its rising global status and power, China is still a developing country and has stood with developing countries in difficult and trying times. It has persistently opposed outside interference in the internal affairs of other countries and encouraged strengthening of local and regional mechanism to deal with challenges related to politics, justice, governance and social system.

In the report to the 18^th National congress of the Communist Party of China, the outgoing president of the people’s republic of China; Mr. Hu Jintao stated that his country continues to call for equality, mutual respect, inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual beneficial cooperation in international relations. China has called on all countries to observe the purposes of the UN charter.

Every nation has its own distinctive features which may be different from one another, but none is superior or inferior to others. Various cultures can learn from each other’s strengths and weaknesses and vitally promote greater democracy in international relations. This cannot be achieved by coercion, threats and dominance but by dialogue that nurtures understanding and builds confidence amongst the people.

Whereas the international community and partners are entitled to their opinions on the Kenyan process, they should be mindful of avoiding actions and statements that could be interpreted as interference.  Any action that has the potential to influence persons to vote or refrain from voting for a particular candidate is a violation of the principles of the UN Charter on non-interference. It is therefore imperative that members of the international community support the newly elected leadership as they represent they will of the people and continue working together with the new government to foster growth and development.