Guest Blog: China remains confident of Kenya after Terror attack

By Ambassador Liu Guangyuan

September 21, 2013 will remain a very sad day for Kenya and its friends all over the world. I was shocked to learn that a terror attack had occurred at the Westgate shopping mall. There were many innocent civilian casualties among them a Chinese lady who was shot dead and his teenage son shot in the thigh. The Chinese nation shares the pain and we have expressed strong solidarity with the Kenyans in the wake of this attack.

Chinese president Xi Jinping sent a condolence message to President Uhuru Kenyatta and expressed his sincere sympathies to the Kenyan government and people. I also made a statement on the matter where I strongly condemned the heinous act and assured Kenyans of support from the Chinese community in Kenya.

On September 23, more than 100 Chinese people in Kenya, who include company staff, tourists and businesspeople gathered at the National blood transfusion centers to donate blood to the victims of the attack. This was initiated by the China General Chamber of Commerce in Eastern Africa and Kenya Overseas Chinese Association. They have promised to hold similar events in Kenya to offer more financial and material support to Kenyans.

China stands firmly with the Kenyan government and people at this difficult time. We believe that the Kenyan government and people will tackle the crisis appropriately and get through the difficulty.

Kenya has already suffered heavy blows from acts of terror, but each time, Kenyans have arisen more resilient and determined than ever before. After the Westgate attack, I believe Kenyans are much stronger and will rise again.

China and the rest of the world witnessed in wonder, the great human spirit and determination of ordinary Kenyans to stand together in such a difficult time, speak with one voice and forge ahead and remind the world that they are not only tolerant of others but have co-existed with different races, religions, ethnicities and nationalities; a lush reminder that “we are one”.

China acknowledges that the Westgate attack is an incident that could have happened in any other capital around the world and therefore it is our responsibility as a close friend of Kenya to help it recover as fast as possible.

This is not the time for investors to shy away, nor is it the time to discourage business and commerce. I have met with Chinese businesspeople in Kenya and although they have enhanced security and are more vigilant, they have not slowed down business or closed their shops during this trying time.

The stock market dropped for two days after the attack but I am pleased to note how fast it has recovered from the shock. The IMF and other financial analysts have predicted that Kenya will withstand the impact of the attack as it has always done before.

The tourism industry in Kenya which is the largest source of foreign currency was predicted to suffer a temporary dip before achieving recovery. However, the allure of Kenya’s natural beauty and wildlife, together with the hospitality of the Kenyan people, has kept tourists coming.

With the second half of the year serving as the peak season for tourism, analysts are predicting that the economy is on track for growth of between 4.5% to as much as 6% this year. I expect more Chinese tourists to visit as there have been no holiday cancellations as a result of the Westgate incident.

As Kenya’s traditional friend and development partner, China will stick to the development agenda of Kenya in all circumstances. We can safely say that the basis of the friendship between our two countries has been more solid.

It is only a month ago that President Kenyatta paid a successful State Visit to China. The two leaders exchanged views on the development of China-Kenya relations and signed a series of significant cooperation agreements on railway, new energy exploration and electricity transmission.

As we celebrate the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries and embark on a new journey, China is committed to work with the Kenyan government in its efforts to safeguard national security, enhance peace and regional stability.

For people like me who have had the privilege to live and work in Kenya, we feel like Nairobi is also our home and we will do everything in our capacity to help Kenya overcome this tragedy continue on the path of development and prosperity.

The Writer is the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Mr. Liu Guangyuan

The Chinese dream and why it will succeed.

The “Chinese dream” is an initiative of president Xi Jinping which he proclaimed by saying "The great revival of the Chinese nation is the greatest Chinese Dream." It is a vision that seeks to promote the idea of building a moderately prosperous society and realize national rejuvenation in China.

The dream is focused on the country’s prosperity and people’s happiness. The Chinese people and their leaders dream of building a moderately prosperous society by about 2020 and making China a fully developed nation by about 2049.

The “Chinese dream” is bound to succeed because it is anchored on the Chinese people and it resonates with the dreams of all the Chinese people. The “China dream” is already planted deeply within the Chinese people’s hearts. With the passage of time and China’s reforms over the past three decades, a conducive environment for success has been created and the nation is highly optimistic and ready for the task of  achieving the “Chinese dream”.

Over the past 30 years of reform and opening up, under the motivation and inspiration of pursuing dreams, the Chinese economy has seen an average annual growth rate of 9.9 %, bringing extreme changes to the living conditions and the way of live for the Chinese people.

With its GDP ranking only second in the world, China has entered the ranks of middle-income countries, which in itself is a dream come true and considered a miracle in the history of world economic development.

These results reflect the Chinese nation’s everlasting spirit of unity of purpose among the Chinese people, a laid down solid, material foundation for realizing the “Chinese dream”. For now, the China dream is no longer a grand slogan. It is rooted in reality, as a result of real struggles, hard work and preparation for future success.

The Chinese dream is not a utopian dream. It is practical and lofty, straightforward and profound. It reflects the concept of national governance held by the new generation of leaders in China. It embraces a new era of great development which brings more opportunities to China and the rest of the world.

Since entering the modern era, China dream has always been the vision that guides the Chinese nation in forging ahead; the steady conviction that propels the people towards a better and brighter future. China’s struggles over the past 100 hundred years have proven an irrefutable truth-only when the people’s dreams are factored in the nations dream, can dreams come true.

Everybody’s hearts carry dreams and hopes of a better life in the future. The Chinese dream is the dream of the whole nation. President Xi Jinping expressed this at the 12^th National People’s Congress that “The China dream, after all, is the dream of the people. We must closely rely on the people to realize it, and we must incessantly bring benefits to the people.”  Every individual’s lively dreams permeate in the journey of life of the rest of the nation and together, they build up into a “Chinese dream”.

Today, the Chinese people understand that the  future and destiny of their individual dreams is closely linked to the country and the nation. Every one’s dreams are highly consistent with and overlap the dreams of the country and the nation. Therefore, when individuals are in pursuit of their personal dreams, they are also in the process of realizing the dreams of the country and the nation.

They are therefore committed to realizing the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. It will not be easy and challenges abound. It will require ingenuity and real improvements in productivity and innovation to help China overcome the challenges ahead.

Fortunately, the “China dream” implies both the glory at the end and the hardships during the journey. It is widely acknowledged that attaining this dream is no longer impossible, but the weight is heavy and the road is still long requiring concrete actions and perseverance. 

The tenacity and dedication that has been shown by the Chinese people in pursuing their individual dreams and the commitment that has been shown by the leaders in China only mean one thing;  aspirations for the “Chinese dream” runs deep within the Chinese nation and everyone is focused through hard work and diligence.

Kenya’s economic and trade relationship with China is beneficial

China is currently Kenya’s most important development partner. It has made significant contributions to our country’s development by partnering and offering much needed support in various sectors of our economy. Our friendship and cooperation has grown exponentially over the last decade making great achievements in the fields of economy, trade and investment.

China has impressively implemented projects that aim to give Kenya a strong development foundation and ensure economic sustainability. Its companies have played a leading role in infrastructure development in transportation, communication and energy sectors.

Notable completed projects include the Thika Superhighway, the new Unit 4 Passenger Terminal at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and Berth No.19 at the port of Mombasa. They have also drilled 26 steam production wells at Olkaria and implemented 2 projects for constructing power transmission lines and substations.

Besides, Chinese companies have signed new contracts for the construction of upcoming large scale projects such as Mombasa-Nairobi standard gauge railway, high grand falls dam project, the Greenfield passenger terminal complex and associated works at JKIA. All these projects are aimed at improving the Kenyan economy.

Apart from project contracting in infrastructure, investment in business is a more constructive way to achieve common development on a much larger scale. By the end of 2012, China’s contractual investment in Kenya was 470 million USD and the actual investment was 379 million USD.

The investment covers real estate development, vehicle assembly, household electrical appliances, light industry, building materials, resource survey and exploration, food and beverages, tourism etc. Last year, China became the second largest source of foreign direct investment in Kenya.

As a result, the trend of Chinese manufacturers moving into Kenya brought with it innumerable employment and innovation opportunities for the ever-growing Kenyan human capital. Estimates reveal that local employees take upto 80% to 90% of staff hired by Chinese companies.

The bilateral trade volume between China and Kenya hit a record 2.841 billion USD in 2012; a 16.7% increase compared to 2011. Our trade volume has continued to increase at an annual rate of 30 percent since 2010.

Although there is a trade imbalance, China has been taking measures to boost and accommodate an increasing number of Kenyan imports. They have removed tariff barriers for some of our imports into China and have been keen to extend tariff exemption initiatives.

China’s imports from Kenya include key agricultural products such as leather, plant cellulose products, coffee, black tea, and so on. This is definitely a move aimed at leveling the playing field for our bilateral trade.

There has also been a shift in the content of Chinese exports to our country. Apart from cracking down on counterfeit and low quality products to Kenya, China is trying to move away from light industrial goods and is focusing on the exports of machinery, transport equipment for agriculture and industrial production, the service sector  and technology that Kenya urgently needs. This is a significant opportunity for our country to access advanced technology and machinery is vital if we are to meet our economic and social development goals.

The Chinese government is now urging its manufacturers and industries to shift bases and establish their industries here in Kenya to boost our industrial capacity and access the wider east African region. Kenya is a regional trade and economic hub and therefore, a strategic destination for Chinese industries and businesses wishing to expand and access the wider regional market.

Several Chinese manufacturers are already setting up local production plants in Kenya, shifting from the previous strategy in which they supplied the domestic consumer market with goods imported from their home country. This will increase the export capacity of Kenya to China and other regions. It also presents an opportunity for skills transfer and possibility of upgrading our local enterprises.

Besides manufacturing, China is now laying emphasis on the opportunities in the Tourism and Agricultural sectors. The growth of service sectors such as tourism and emphasis on Kenya’s comparative advantage would greatly help reduce the trade imbalance with China.

China has provided landing rights to Kenya Airways in several cities in China and is now operating direct flights to Hong Kong (China) and Guangzhou in southern China from Nairobi. In addition to this, Kenya was granted Preferred Tourist Destination in 2004, doubling tourist arrivals from China.

Such initiatives boost the Kenyan economy by enhancing not just the earnings of the Airlines but also earnings for the tourism and agricultural sectors which are the leading foreign exchange earners for Kenya. They have facilitated the movement of tourists from China as well as agricultural products from Kenya.

To further boost tourism, CCTV, the largest television channel in China, recorded a documentary of the landscape and beautiful scenery of Kenya and its magnificent wildlife. The documentary titled “Glamorous Kenya” was aired every day in China on CCTV documentary channel 9 and the effects were amazing. Tourist arrivals from China rose sharply from only 28, 000 in 2011 to over 45,000 in the year 2012.

China and Kenya have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship since the establishment of diplomatic relations 50 years ago. There is no doubt that we have benefited greatly from this friendship and cooperation. Our two countries should continue to cooperate with each other with an aim of enhancing our mutual development and elevate our friendship to achieve our development goals.

China's Diplomatic Philosophy is endearing to African states

“China beats the west to win respect by Kenyans”. This is the news title that appeared recently on a local daily Kenyan newspaper. According to a survey conducted across the country by consumer insight Kenya, China has emerged as the main source of inspiration for Kenyans. This must be the case for the rest of Africa as these kinds of headlines are repeated across African dailies.

Africa traditionally looked to the west for inspiration. However, Since China entered the fray; the tide has slowly shifted in China’s favor to a point where the west is almost totally eclipsed from the main arena of things diplomatic. China’s secret lies in its diplomatic philosophy that endears to African states.

Whereas in International relations, states relate to each other based on national interests, perceptions and philosophical thinking plays a big part in shaping their foreign policies. Philosophy provides the theoretical guidance for foreign relations, while activities of foreign affairs are a practice under the guidance of diplomatic philosophical theory.

Different countries have different philosophical foundations for foreign affairs that shape their policies on world situations and international relations. As Africa becomes more assertive in the International arena, it responds accordingly to the various diplomatic philosophies towards it. An analysis of the west’s diplomatic philosophy in general as well as towards Africa explains why African States and the African people are turning to China.

The United States conforms to pragmatism and cherishes the values of freedom. It proclaims that the current world order is problematic and it will not acquire security if it retreats within its own borders. Despite complaints against anti-terrorism laws and interference, it has remained firm and unapologetic. “We will choose to act confidently in pursuing the enemies of freedom.  Every step toward freedom in the world makes our country safer, so we will act boldly in freedom’s cause”. This is America’s diplomatic philosophy that signifies domination, unilateral actions and inequality in relations.

The Germans uphold rational and technical philosophy. They believe that globalization, Democracy and European civilization, together with western values; economic, social and political system is good for the entire globe. German leaders have famously proclaimed that NATO has become a global alliance of public interest and that it should be used as a political instrument for making the world a secure environment. This sends shivers to every African leader and ordinary Africans who have seen the fall of regimes through military interventions. 

Russian leaders put forward that, in dealing with foreign relations, Russia is returning to “realism from Idealism”; giving more consideration to the interests of Russia and its International Image. This new philosophy has improved Russia’s image in Africa, especially when they have opposed sanctions targeting poor African countries.

French leaders’ philosophy is more of diversity in international exchanges and multilateralism. This has made it difficult for African states to predict it responses to international matters. However, its involvement in the ousting of Libyan ex-dictator Muammar Gaddafi has seen it labeled a rogue power by its critics in Africa.

China’s history and evolution has always had a bearing on Africa. For thousands of years, it had a reputation of a civilized country that upholds harmony and propriety. Its history resonates with Africa and its quick rise in stature offers great lessons and inspiration to African states. Its history of being colonized by various powers, poverty stricken and isolation have shaped its diplomatic philosophy. An important ideological foundation is the cultural tradition centering on “harmony and conformity” in today’s world outlook. 

China’s success in Africa is an indication that it has a sober understanding and a clear assessment of the international situation, especially with regard to Africa. In terms of policy guiding exchange with African countries, China’s diplomatic philosophy is expressed as friendly, based on mutual respect and win-win cooperation. Its major success lies in the principle of equality, non-interference and mutual development. 

China’s activities in Africa and local attitudes have been well documented by Deborah Brautigam’s book, the dragon’s gift. Brautigam observes that Africans are generally receptive to China’s developmental approach. That Africans approve one developing country helping another, “the poor helping the poor”; they value the longstanding connections built over decades with their Chinese partners; and they feel that China shows them far more respect than paternalistic Westerners.

China is putting forward proposals for a harmonious world, a just world with no wars and power politics. It claims that it seeks international political democracy as opposed to domination, fairness and justice, observance of international conventions and friendly and harmonious existence between countries. Whether or not China is genuine in its calls, the general diplomatic philosophy is the catalyst for its success in Africa.