China and Kenya pledge to upgrade ties, oppose tariffs

China's President Xi Jinping (R) and Kenya's President William Ruto shake hands during a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on April 24, 2025. [AFP]

China and Kenya agreed on Thursday to boost ties to a new level and oppose trade barriers, following talks between President Xi Jinping and his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto in Beijing.

Relations between Beijing and Nairobi will be upgraded to a "China-Kenya community with a shared future for the new era", Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported after the two leaders met during Ruto's state visit.