Abuja: Ms Dong Hairong, Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy, has urged Nigeria to further support the One-China principle as Beijing pushes back against rising separatist movements in Taiwan.
The appeal came during a Thursday media salon in Abuja, themed: “Understanding the One-China Principle and Its Role in Deepening China–Nigeria Strategic Relations”.
The event, which highlighted growing concerns over Taiwan separatist activities, was jointly organised by the Centre for China Studies and the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
She criticised the recent visit of Taiwan leader, Lai Ching-te, to Eswatini, describing it as a covert move aimed at expanding separatist activities internationally.
Building on her concerns, she also expressed apprehension over the recent visit of a group of Nigerian journalists to Taiwan, where they reportedly met with officials of Taiwan’s external affairs department.
Emphasising China’s perspective, Dong reiterated that Taiwan has been an inalienable part of China since ancient times, while maintaining that the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing China internationally.
“At present, 183 countries, including Nigeria, have established diplomatic relations with China on the basis of the One-China principle,” she said.
Dong cited the 1971 United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 as the legal basis affirming Beijing’s position on Taiwan.
“The One-China principle has become a universally acknowledged norm and a solemn commitment made by diplomatic partners to respect China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” she said.
She also noted that Nigeria had consistently reaffirmed its support for the One-China principle since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1971.
Dong emphasised that the One-China principle is the foundation of political cooperation between China and Nigeria, and underpins the broader China-Africa partnership.
“China sincerely expects all sectors of Nigeria’s society to firmly abide by the One-China principle and resolutely uphold China’s core interests and territorial integrity,” she said.
In discussing bilateral achievements, the envoy also highlighted growing cooperation between China and Nigeria in infrastructure, trade, agriculture, technology and education.
She illustrated this cooperation by referencing projects such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, rail infrastructure, and the recently inaugurated ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja, built with Chinese assistance.
Dong also noted that China recently introduced zero-tariff treatment for exports from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to Beijing, including Nigeria.
According to her, the policy will provide broader opportunities for Nigerian exports, such as sesame, ginger, cocoa, and cashew nuts, in the Chinese market.
Dr Segun Showunmi, a Public affairs analyst, said Nigeria’s support for the One-China principle had strengthened bilateral cooperation in infrastructure, trade and economic development. ” The benefits to Nigeria have been substantial,” he said, citing rail projects, airport expansion and the Lekki Deep Sea Port among major outcomes of China-Nigeria cooperation.
Also spAlso adding his perspective, Prof. Sheriff Ibrahim, Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria and Head of Contemporary China-Africa Research, said African countries continued to support the One-China principle because of shared values around sovereignty and territorial integrity. One-China Policy has been entrenched into the deep-rooted foundation of China-Africa cooperation, which defines trust, respect and shared future,” he said.
Ibrahim noted that 53 of Africa’s 54 countries had already adhered to the One-China policy, while Eswatini remained the only African country maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
Mr Charles Onunaiju, Director of the Centre for China Studies, agreed that the One-China principle reflects both historical reality and an international diplomatic consensus.
“The One-China Principle, ” he emphasised, “The One-China Principle has been built around the unassailable pillars of history and existential reality.” Sam Amadi, Dean of the Law Faculty, Ave Maria University, distinguished between the “One-China principle” promoted by Beijing and the “One-China policy” adopted by other countries.
Amadi explained that while many countries acknowledged Beijing’s position, they often maintained varying levels of economic and trade engagement with Taiwan.
He advised African countries to avoid formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, while managing economic engagements in line with international norms and national interests.
