Celebrating 75 Years of the People’s Republic of China: Reflections on Economic Transformation, Global Cooperation, and Kenya-China Relations

On a serene Sunday evening in Nairobi, the Chinese Embassy opened its doors to commemorate a significant milestone: the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The occasion, hosted by the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Dr. Zhou Pingjian, brought together Kenyan government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and members of the Chinese community in Kenya. Among the notable figures in attendance was Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who, alongside other dignitaries, joined the Chinese community in celebrating the remarkable transformation that China has undergone since 1949.

The reception was more than just a formal event—it was a moment of reflection on China’s unprecedented economic rise, its growing influence on the global stage, and the robust partnership it has cultivated with African nations, including Kenya. For Dr. Zhou and those in attendance, this was not just a celebration of China’s past but a reaffirmation of its future ambitions and commitments to global cooperation and development.

China’s Remarkable Transformation: From Poverty to Prosperity

In his speech, Ambassador Zhou outlined China’s incredible journey over the past seven decades, a transformation that has taken the country from the grips of poverty to becoming a global economic superpower. When the People’s Republic of China was founded in 1949, it was a poor, largely agrarian society, still reeling from decades of conflict and foreign occupation. However, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the country embarked on a path of rapid economic development and modernization.

“In a short span of several decades, China has transformed from a poor and backward country into a moderately prosperous society in all respects,” the ambassador noted in his remarks. “It has become the world’s second-largest economy, biggest trading and manufacturing nation in goods, and strongest growth engine in terms of electric vehicles, wind, and solar power.”

This transformation is unprecedented in modern history. China’s gross domestic product (GDP) has surged from a mere $30 billion in 1949 to over $17 trillion today, making it the second-largest economy in the world. Alongside this economic growth, China has witnessed rapid urbanization, technological advancement, and improvements in the standard of living for its citizens.

One of China’s most remarkable achievements, as highlighted by the ambassador, is its success in eradicating absolute poverty. Over the past few decades, China has lifted more than 800 million people out of poverty, accounting for over 70% of global poverty reduction. This accomplishment is in line with the country’s broader mission to build a “moderately prosperous society in all respects,” a key pillar of its long-term development strategy.

“We have, once and for all, resolved the problem of absolute poverty in China, lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty,” Zhou emphasized, noting the establishment of the world’s largest education, social security, and healthcare systems. These systems are designed to ensure that the benefits of modernization are equitably shared among the Chinese people.

A Global Power Committed to Peaceful Development

As China continues its rise as a global power, Ambassador Zhou reiterated that its development is rooted in peaceful coexistence and mutual cooperation. Contrary to the notion that China’s ascent may cause global instability, the country has consistently emphasized that its foreign policy is based on the principles of peace, stability, and cooperation.

“China is committed to peaceful development and friendly cooperation with all countries, based on the five principles of peaceful coexistence,” Zhou stated. These principles include mutual respect for sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference in domestic affairs, equality, and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. These values have shaped China’s approach to diplomacy and development cooperation, particularly with African nations.

China’s pursuit of peace and stability is evident in its role in international organizations, its efforts in peacekeeping missions, and its contributions to global development initiatives. From the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China has sought to promote economic cooperation and infrastructure development in a manner that benefits all participating countries.

China-Africa Relations: A Cornerstone of Foreign Policy

One of the cornerstones of China’s foreign policy has been its relationship with African nations, a relationship based on mutual respect and shared development goals. “Developing solidarity and cooperation with African countries is an important cornerstone of China’s foreign policy,” Zhou affirmed during his speech.

China’s relationship with Africa has deepened significantly in recent decades, driven by mutual economic interests and a shared vision of development. At the heart of this partnership is the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), a platform that has facilitated extensive cooperation in trade, infrastructure development, health, and education.

The recently concluded FOCAC Summit in Beijing, according to Zhou, will bring numerous benefits to African nations. The forum, which brings together leaders from China and African countries, serves as a platform to discuss and implement development projects that address Africa’s infrastructure deficits, enhance trade, and improve health outcomes.

For Kenya, this relationship has manifested in several large-scale infrastructure projects, most notably the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) connecting Nairobi to Mombasa, which has significantly reduced travel time and boosted trade. Kenya has also benefited from Chinese investments in the energy sector, agriculture, and education, further cementing the two nations’ close ties.

The Kenya-China Partnership: A Growing Alliance

Kenya and China have enjoyed a long-standing partnership that spans multiple sectors, including trade, infrastructure, and education. As one of China’s key partners in Africa, Kenya has received considerable Chinese investment, which has fueled its economic development and helped address critical infrastructure gaps.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, representing the Kenyan government at the event, acknowledged the vital role that China has played in Kenya’s development. He emphasized the importance of the two nations’ continued collaboration, particularly in areas such as trade, technology, and capacity building.

Kenya, like many African nations, has benefited from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to enhance connectivity and trade through large-scale infrastructure projects. The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) is a flagship BRI project in Kenya, significantly improving the efficiency of trade and transportation within the region. Other areas of cooperation include energy, agriculture, and technology, with Chinese companies playing a key role in modernizing Kenya’s infrastructure and improving its economic competitiveness.

The relationship between Kenya and China is not just limited to economic ties but also extends to cultural and educational exchanges. The Chinese government has provided scholarships to thousands of Kenyan students, enabling them to pursue higher education in China. These exchanges have fostered greater understanding and cooperation between the two nations, contributing to a stronger partnership in the long term.

A Future Built on Cooperation and Shared Development

As China marks its 75th anniversary, it looks toward the future with a clear vision of continued modernization and global cooperation. Ambassador Zhou emphasized that China’s path of modernization is not just for its own benefit but for the greater good of humanity. “China has embarked on a path of modernization aimed at providing stability and certainty in an increasingly uncertain world,” he noted.

This vision is closely aligned with China’s ambition to foster a “community with a shared future for mankind,” a concept that underscores the interconnectedness of the global economy and the need for cooperation in addressing common challenges such as poverty, climate change, and security threats. China’s development model, characterized by its focus on infrastructure development, poverty alleviation, and technological innovation, offers valuable lessons for other developing nations, particularly in Africa.

Looking ahead, the Kenya-China partnership is expected to deepen, with both nations benefiting from closer economic ties and shared development goals. As Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi noted during the event, Kenya stands ready to continue working with China to achieve mutual prosperity and development.

Conclusion

The 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China is a momentous occasion, not just for China but for its global partners as well. For Kenya, the event highlighted the strong and growing partnership between the two nations, built on mutual respect, shared interests, and a commitment to peaceful development. As China continues its journey toward modernization and global leadership, its relationship with Kenya and other African nations will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of global cooperation and development.