China on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to the One-China principle, insisting that Taiwan is not a sovereign nation but an inseparable part of Chinese territory. The position was reiterated at a Media Salon held in Abuja by the Centre for China Studies and the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research with the theme: “Understanding the One-China Principle and Its Role in Deepening China–Nigeria Strategic Relations.”
China’s Position on Taiwan
Speaking at the event, Counselor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, Dong Hairong, said recent developments involving Taiwan showed the need for greater international understanding of the Taiwan question and China’s territorial position. She cited the recent visit of Taiwan regional leader, Lai Ching-te, to Eswatini, as well as a reported engagement between some Nigerian journalists and Taiwanese officials, as examples of what she described as attempts to advance separatist narratives. According to her, such developments misrepresent historical and legal realities surrounding Taiwan.
“Taiwan has been an inalienable part of Chinese territory since ancient times,” Dong said. She explained that Chinese governments had exercised administrative authority over Taiwan for centuries and argued that international agreements reached after the Second World War recognised that territories seized by Japan, including Taiwan, should be returned to China. “Taiwan has never been a country, was never one and will never be,” she added.
Historical and Legal Context
The envoy maintained that the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 made Beijing the sole legitimate government representing all of China, including Taiwan. She also referenced the 1971 United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, saying it formally recognised only one Chinese seat at the UN and affirmed the One-China principle internationally. Dong accused pro-independence forces in Taiwan of promoting separatist activities capable of threatening peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. She, however, said China remained committed to peaceful reunification and continued economic cooperation with Taiwan while safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Resolving the Taiwan question and achieving complete reunification is the shared aspiration of all Chinese people,” she said.
Nigeria’s Support for One-China Principle
The Chinese diplomat also commended Nigeria for consistently supporting the One-China principle since both countries established diplomatic relations in 1971. According to her, Nigeria reaffirmed that position during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to China in September 2024, where both countries issued a joint statement opposing all forms of Taiwan independence. “It is precisely on the basis of the One-China principle that China-Nigeria relations have grown into a comprehensive strategic partnership,” Dong stated.
