Abuja, May 14, 2026 A senior official at the Chinese Embassy in Abuja has urged Nigeria to maintain firm support for the One-China principle amid what Beijing describes as increasing separatist actions linked to Taiwan.
The call was made by Ms. Dong Hairong during a media forum in Abuja focused on the significance of the One-China principle in strengthening strategic ties between China and Nigeria.
The event was organised by the Centre for China Studies in collaboration with the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research.
Dong criticised a recent trip by Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te to Eswatini, saying the visit was aimed at expanding pro-independence activities on the international stage.
She also raised concerns over a recent visit to Taiwan by some Nigerian journalists, where they reportedly held meetings with officials from Taiwan’s foreign affairs office.
According to Dong, Taiwan has historically been part of China, while the People’s Republic of China remains the only legitimate authority representing China globally.
She noted that 183 countries, including Nigeria, currently maintain diplomatic relations with China under the One-China framework.
Dong referenced the 1971 United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, describing it as the legal foundation supporting Beijing’s position on Taiwan.
She said the One-China principle had become an internationally recognised standard and a key diplomatic commitment tied to respect for China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The envoy further stated that Nigeria had consistently supported the principle since both nations established diplomatic ties in 1971.
She added that the policy continued to serve as the political bedrock of relations between China and Nigeria, as well as wider China-Africa cooperation.
Dong called on various groups within Nigeria to continue respecting the One-China principle and support China’s territorial unity.
She also highlighted expanding cooperation between both countries across sectors such as infrastructure, trade, agriculture, education and technology.
Among the projects mentioned were the Lekki Deep Sea Port, railway developments and the newly inaugurated ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja, constructed with Chinese support.
Dong further disclosed that China had recently introduced zero-tariff access for exports from 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with Beijing, including Nigeria.
She explained that the initiative could create wider market opportunities in China for Nigerian products such as sesame seeds, cocoa, ginger and cashew nuts.
Public affairs analyst Dr. Segun Showunmi said Nigeria’s backing of the One-China principle had contributed positively to bilateral cooperation in trade, infrastructure and economic growth.
He pointed to projects including railway construction, airport upgrades and the Lekki Deep Sea Port as examples of the benefits of China-Nigeria relations.
Prof. Sheriff Ibrahim, Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria and head of the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research, said many African nations continued to support the principle due to shared views on sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to him, the One-China policy has become deeply integrated into the foundation of China-Africa relations, promoting mutual trust, respect and cooperation.
He added that 53 out of 54 African countries currently recognise the One-China policy, while Eswatini remains the only African nation with diplomatic ties to Taiwan.
Also speaking, Director of the Centre for China Studies, Mr. Charles Onunaiju, described the One-China principle as being rooted in historical and diplomatic realities recognised internationally.
Meanwhile, Prof. Sam Amadi, Dean of the Faculty of Law at Ave Maria University, drew a distinction between Beijing’s “One-China principle” and the “One-China policy” adopted by different countries.
Amadi noted that although many nations recognise Beijing’s position, some still maintain economic and trade relations with Taiwan at varying levels.
He advised African countries to avoid establishing formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan while continuing economic engagements in line with national interests and international practice.