The Chinese government has commended Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to the One-China policy, a longstanding diplomatic principle recognizing the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate authority over all Chinese territories, including Taiwan.
Speaking at a media workshop in Abuja, Mr. Zhu Songbo, Director of the Political Section at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, lauded Nigeria’s consistent adherence to the policy since both nations formalized diplomatic relations on February 10, 1971. He particularly praised Nigeria’s decision to relocate the Taipei Trade Office from the capital, Abuja, as a demonstration of its loyalty to the One-China stance.
Zhu emphasized that during President Bola Tinubu and Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar’s visit to China last year, both governments reaffirmed their mutual understanding through two joint statements. These documents reiterated Nigeria’s recognition of Beijing as the only legitimate government of China and affirmed that Taiwan remains an inalienable part of the country’s territory.
He further urged the Nigerian media to resist narratives or terminologies that imply the recognition of Taiwan as a separate entity, citing phrases like “The Republic of China” or “The Embassy of Taiwan to Nigeria” as misleading and contrary to the One-China principle. “We hope such expressions will not feature in Nigerian media reports,” he said, calling for journalistic objectivity, accuracy, and responsibility in matters relating to China.
Mr. Charles Onunaiju, Director of the Centre for China Studies, also addressed attendees, reaffirming the indivisibility of China and Taiwan. He described Nigeria’s position on the matter as “sacrosanct,” emphasizing that the Taipei Trade Office in Lagos functions solely for commercial activities and does not possess any diplomatic status.
“The notion of Taiwan’s eventual return to mainland China is not hypothetical but a historical certainty,” Onunaiju added, echoing Beijing’s stance on reunification.
The session concluded with a call for stronger Nigeria-China cooperation, particularly through the media, to support peaceful and constructive narratives across the Taiwan Strait.
