China’s Vice President Han Zheng is set to visit Kenya, South Africa and Seychelles from March 22 to 30, in a diplomatic tour expected to deepen Beijing’s engagement with Africa at a time of shifting global alliances.
The visit follows invitations from Kithure Kindiki, Paul Mashatile and Sebastien Pillay, according to China’s foreign ministry.
Vice President Han is expected to hold high-level talks focusing on trade, infrastructure development, investment, and strategic cooperation across the three nations.
The visit comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension following the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which escalated after coordinated military strikes on Iranian targets in late February 2026.
The war has since intensified across the Middle East, involving missile exchanges, attacks on energy infrastructure, and disruptions to global oil supply routes.
Analysts say the conflict is reshaping global power dynamics, with countries in the Global South closely watching the situation as economic and political alignments continue to shift.
The BRICS grouping — which includes China and Iran — has been increasingly positioning itself as an alternative power bloc courting countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
With Africa becoming a key battleground for influence, China’s outreach through high-level visits signals a broader strategy to strengthen ties with the continent amid perceptions that Western influence is facing growing competition.
In Kenya, China remains a major development partner, particularly in infrastructure financing and trade. Observers believe the visit could unlock new agreements or revive stalled projects, especially as Nairobi seeks diversified partnerships.
Kenya’s inclusion in the tour underscores its strategic importance in East Africa. The visit is expected to focus on infrastructure cooperation, trade expansion, investment opportunities and regional connectivity.
With global tensions rising, African nations like Kenya are increasingly balancing relationships between major powers, aiming to secure economic benefits while maintaining diplomatic neutrality.
Vice President Han Zheng’s visit highlights Africa’s growing importance in global geopolitics, as the international order continues to evolve and new opportunities for cooperation emerge
