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flag Chinese Vice President Han Zheng began a regional tour in Nairobi, advancing economic ties and infrastructure projects amid growing U.S.-China competition in East Africa.

flag Chinese Vice President Han Zheng arrived in Nairobi on March 22, 2026, beginning a regional tour of Kenya, South Africa, and Seychelles, highlighting Beijing’s deepening strategic and economic engagement in East Africa. flag His visit, invited by Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, coincides with the rollout of China’s zero-tariff policy for 53 African nations, granting Kenya duty-free access to 98.2% of its exports, including tea, coffee, and avocados, to address a major trade imbalance. flag The trip focuses on advancing infrastructure projects like the Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba segment of the Standard Gauge Railway, a Chinese-financed initiative expected to cut freight costs and transit times. flag Kenya continues to balance ties with China and the U.S., maintaining its AGOA trade benefits renewed through 2028 while the U.S. emphasizes Kenya’s rare earth and niobium resources, signaling growing competition for influence across Africa.

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