China on Tuesday reiterated its firm adherence to the One-China principle, stressing that Taiwan remains an indivisible part of its sovereign territory and not an independent state. Chinese President Xi Jinping cautioned United States President Donald Trump that any wrong move on Taiwan could escalate tensions into open conflict, setting a tense tone for their summit in Beijing.
The stance was restated during a Media Salon organised in Abuja by the Centre for China Studies and the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research, themed ‘Understanding the One-China Principle and its Role in Deepening China–Nigeria Strategic Relations’. Addressing participants, Counsellor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, Dong Hairong, said recent events surrounding Taiwan underscored the need for broader global awareness of China’s position on the issue.
She referenced the recent trip by Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te to Eswatini, alongside reported interactions between Nigerian journalists and Taiwanese representatives, describing them as efforts aimed at promoting separatist narratives.
According to her, such actions distort the historical and legal facts regarding Taiwan’s status.Dong maintained that Taiwan has remained an inseparable part of Chinese territory since ancient times.She noted that successive Chinese governments had exercised authority over Taiwan for centuries and argued that post-World War II international agreements affirmed that territories seized by Japan, including Taiwan, were to be restored to China.She insisted that Taiwan has never held sovereign statehood and never will.
The envoy further stated that with the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Beijing became the sole legitimate authority representing the entirety of China, including Taiwan. Also speaking, Convener of The Alternative Movement, Segun Showunmi, urged Nigeria to strengthen its strategic partnership with China, noting the country’s growing influence as a global economic and technological powerhouse.
Showunmi argued that Nigeria stands to benefit significantly more from deeper engagement with China than through separate dealings with Taiwan.He said the long-term gains from a solid alliance with China would far outweigh anything Taiwan could offer.In his remarks, Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria and Director of the Centre for China-Africa Research, Prof. Ghali Ibrahim, said the One-China principle enjoys broad international acceptance because Taiwan lacks the legal standing of a sovereign nation.
He described Taiwan as a territory belonging to China rather than an independent state. Ibrahim also commended China’s restraint and patience in pursuing peaceful reunification despite prolonged tensions across the Taiwan Strait.He added that 53 of Africa’s 54 countries recognise the One-China principle, with Eswatini remaining the only African nation with formal diplomatic ties to Taiwan.
Source: https://guardian.ng/
