How Kenya's China Debt Gave Beijing Leverage Over Taiwan Diplomacy

Kenya deported Taiwanese delegates from the UN-affiliated Our Ocean Conference in June 2026, reportedly at China's behest. The move reveals how debt dependency reshapes sovereignty: Kenya owes China billions through Belt and Road loans, giving Beijing informal leverage over immigration and multilateral hosting decisions. When financial obligation influences host-country policy on sensitive geopolitical issues, it signals structural vulnerability in the international system.