The People’s Republic of China has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s adherence to the One-China principle remains the foundation of diplomatic relations between both countries, while cautioning against activities it said could undermine bilateral ties.
Speaking at a media salon in Abuja on Thursday, the Counsellor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, Dong Hairong, said Nigeria has consistently upheld the One-China policy since diplomatic relations were established in 1971.
The event, themed *“Understanding the One China Principle,”* focused on China-Nigeria diplomatic relations and Beijing’s position on Taiwan.
According to Hairong, recent developments, including visits by some Nigerian journalists to Taiwan and renewed calls by Taiwanese authorities to relocate Taiwan’s trade office in Nigeria back to Abuja, raised concerns for the Chinese government.
“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,” she said.
The envoy stressed that Nigeria had made formal commitments to recognise the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing China and to oppose Taiwan independence.
She noted that Nigeria’s decision to relocate Taiwan’s representative office from Abuja was in line with the One-China principle and reflected existing agreements between both countries.
“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,” Hairong stated.
She recalled that the 1971 communiqué establishing diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China recognised the Beijing government as the only legitimate representative of the Chinese people.
Hairong also referenced the bilateral joint statement issued during the state visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to China in September 2024, during which Nigeria reaffirmed its recognition of the One-China policy and acknowledged Taiwan as an inseparable part of Chinese territory.
According to her, the political understanding between both nations has strengthened bilateral relations and expanded cooperation into a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The envoy cited the recently completed headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja, constructed with Chinese support, as a symbol of growing China-West Africa cooperation.
Describing the complex as the “Eye of West Africa,” Hairong said the facility would improve regional coordination and support development planning among ECOWAS member states.
