The Chinese government has reiterated that Nigeria’s longstanding adherence to the one-China principle remains the foundation of diplomatic relations between both countries, while warning against what it described as attempts by Taiwan authorities to undermine bilateral ties.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the Media Salon themed “Understanding the One China Principle,” the Counsellor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, Dong Hairong, said Nigeria had consistently upheld its commitment to the one-China policy since diplomatic relations were established between both countries in 1971.
According to her, while there had been recent developments that raised questions, such as journalists travelling to Taiwan and Taiwan’s calls to relocate its trade office in Nigeria to Abuja, Hairong stressed that Nigeria and China have an existing agreement to oppose the independence of Taiwan, which was why Nigeria relocated Taiwan’s representative office from the capital, Abuja.
She said, “We have also witnessed a small group of Nigerian journalists visiting Taiwan recently and meeting with officials from Taiwan’s external affairs department. The Taiwan side even clamoured to push for relocating its trade office in Nigeria back to Abuja.
“Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Nigeria in 1971, Nigeria has made solemn commitments to upholding the one-China principle and opposing ‘Taiwan independence. On multiple occasions in the joint communiqué on diplomatic establishment and bilateral joint statements.
“In accordance with the one-China principle, Nigeria relocated Taiwan’s representative office out of its capital, Abuja and explicitly defined it as a non-diplomatic institution that does not represent any government. This has served as the cornerstone for the sound and steady development of China-Nigeria relations”.
Dong recalled that in the 1971 communiqué establishing diplomatic ties, “The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria recognises the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing all the Chinese people.”
She also referenced the bilateral joint statement issued during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to China in September 2024, where Nigeria reaffirmed that “there is only one China in the world, that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing all of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.”
According to the envoy, the political understanding between both countries has enabled relations to expand into what she described as a comprehensive strategic partnership with tangible economic and development outcomes.
She cited the recent handover of the new headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States in Abuja, constructed with Chinese assistance, as one of the symbols of cooperation between China and West Africa.
Describing the complex as the “Eye of West Africa,” Dong said the facility would strengthen regional coordination and development planning among member states.
She further disclosed that China began implementing zero-tariff treatment on May 1 for exports from 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with Beijing, including Nigeria.
According to her, the policy would improve access for Nigerian agricultural products such as sesame, ginger, cashew nuts and cocoa into the Chinese market, while helping Nigerian businesses improve standards and strengthen the international image of “Made in Nigeria.”
“All these measures represent the continuation and development of China’s consistent Africa policy, demonstrating China’s firm resolve and historical responsibility to work hand in hand with African countries,” She said.
Dong, however, urged Nigerian journalists to exercise caution in their coverage of Taiwan-related issues.
She said, “it is hoped that Nigerian journalists will see through the political tricks and hypocritical ploys of the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan, maintain sober judgment, and never be misled or coerced by their empty rhetoric into taking a wrong position.”
Drawing a comparison between China and Taiwan’s economic engagement with Nigeria, she stated that China maintained an annual trade volume exceeding 28 billion US dollars with Nigeria, compared to Taiwan’s estimated 1.6 billion US dollars.
“On one side stands China, a reliable partner with an annual trade volume exceeding 28 billion US dollars with Nigeria, implementing zero-tariff policies and pursuing genuine mutual benefit and win-win results. On the other side is the Taiwan region, essentially a provincial administrative region of China, with an annual trade volume of only about 1.6 billion US dollars with Nigeria. The relative importance and pros and cons are self-evident,” she said.
The envoy also cautioned against what she described as support for separatist narratives, warning that those who deliberately collude with their separatist attempts should consider the potential consequences of such actions.
She added that China expects all sectors in Nigeria to “always firmly abide by the one-China principle and resolutely uphold China’s core interests and territorial integrity.”
Dong further called for what she described as objective reporting on Taiwan-related issues, saying references to Taiwan as a “country” or the use of terms such as “Taiwanese Ambassador to Nigeria” should be avoided in news coverage.
“By adopting an objective and impartial reporting stance and taking concrete actions, all sides should jointly safeguard the traditional friendship and overall cooperation between China and Nigeria,” She said.
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