A Counsellor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, Dong Hairong, has reiterated China’s position that Taiwan is an integral part of Chinese territory, dismissing narratives supporting Taiwan’s independence.
Hairong made the remarks on Thursday during a Media Salon on the One-China Principle held in Abuja with the theme, *“Understanding the One-China Principle and Its Role in Deepening China–Nigeria Strategic Relations.”*
According to her, Taiwan has historically belonged to China, citing historical records and international agreements as the legal basis for Beijing’s position.
“A wealth of historical records and documents chronicle the early development of Taiwan by the Chinese people. As early as the 12th century, the Chinese government set up administrative institutions in Taiwan and exercised jurisdiction over the region,” she said.
Hairong referenced the 1943 Cairo Declaration issued by China, the United States, and Britain, which stipulated that territories taken by Japan, including Taiwan, should be returned to China.
She also cited the 1945 Potsdam Proclamation, which affirmed the implementation of the Cairo Declaration, noting that Japan accepted the terms before signing the Instrument of Surrender later that year.
According to the envoy, these international documents established the legal and factual basis for Taiwan’s return to China after World War II.
Hairong further referenced United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, adopted in October 1971, which recognised the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate representative of China at the United Nations.
She argued that the resolution left no room for the concept of “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan.”
The envoy also commended Nigeria for consistently supporting the One-China principle since diplomatic relations were established between both countries in 1971.
According to her, Nigeria has repeatedly reaffirmed its opposition to Taiwan independence through joint communiqués and bilateral agreements with China.
Also speaking at the event, Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria and Head of Contemporary China-Africa Research, described the recent visit of Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te to Eswatini as unusual in diplomatic practice.
He said African countries have consistently supported China on issues relating to sovereignty and territorial integrity, partly because of their own historical experiences with colonialism and external interference.
“As of May 2026, 53 out of 54 African nations adhere to the One-China policy, recognising Taiwan as an inalienable part of China. Eswatini is the sole African nation maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan,” Ibrahim stated.
