China has restated its support for the One-China principle, insisting that Taiwan remains an inseparable part of Chinese territory and does not possess sovereign nation status.
The position was reiterated by Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Dong Hairong, during a Media Salon organised in Abuja by the Centre for China Studies and the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research.
Speaking at the event, Dong Hairong said recent developments surrounding Taiwan highlighted the need for better international understanding of the Taiwan issue and China’s territorial stance.
She referenced the recent visit of Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te to Eswatini, as well as reported interactions between some Nigerian journalists and Taiwanese officials, which she described as efforts aimed at promoting separatist narratives.
According to her, Taiwan has historically been part of China and cannot be regarded as an independent country.
Also speaking at the event, Convener of The Alternative Movement, Otunba Segun Showunmi, urged Nigeria to strengthen strategic relations with China, describing the Asian nation as a dominant force in the global economy and technology sector.
Showunmi stated that Nigeria would benefit more from stronger diplomatic and economic cooperation with China than from separate engagements with Taiwan.
He argued that China’s economic and technological influence presents greater long-term opportunities for Nigeria’s development and international partnerships.
Meanwhile, the Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria and Director of the Centre for China-Africa Research, Professor Ghali Ibrahim, said the One-China policy enjoys wide international recognition because Taiwan does not have the legal status of a sovereign state.
He maintained that Taiwan should be viewed as a territory under China rather than an independent nation.
