China, on Wednesday, reiterated its unwavering commitment to the One-China principle, declaring that Taiwan is not a sovereign nation but an integral part of Chinese territory. President Xi Jinping cautioned his United States counterpart, Donald Trump, that any missteps regarding Taiwan could lead to conflict, setting a firm tone as the two leaders convened in Beijing for a critical summit.
The position was underscored during a Media Salon in Abuja organized 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'. Speaking at the event, Counsellor at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Nigeria, Dong Hairong, emphasized that recent developments involving Taiwan highlight the need for greater international awareness of the Taiwan question and China's territorial stance.
Dong cited the recent visit of Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te to Eswatini, as well as reported engagements between some Nigerian journalists and Taiwanese officials, as attempts to promote separatist narratives. She argued that such actions misrepresent historical and legal realities concerning Taiwan.
“Taiwan has been an inalienable part of Chinese territory since ancient times,” Dong stated. She explained that the Chinese government has exercised administrative authority over Taiwan for centuries and noted that post-World War II international agreements recognized 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. The envoy maintained that the establishment of the PRC in 1949 made Beijing the sole legitimate government representing all of China, including Taiwan.
Also speaking, Segun Showunmi, Convener of The Alternative Movement, argued that Nigeria should deepen strategic cooperation with China, noting that Beijing has emerged as a major global economic and technological power. Showunmi said Nigeria stands to gain more from stronger ties with China than from separate engagements with Taiwan.
“In another 100 years, what Nigeria will gain from a firm relationship with China, Taiwan will not be able to provide in 1,000 years,” he said.
In his remarks, Prof. Ghali Ibrahim, Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria and Director of the Centre for China-Africa Research, said the One-China principle has gained broad global recognition because Taiwan lacks the legal status of a sovereign state. “Taiwan is not an independent sovereign entity but a territory that is part of China,” he said.
He also praised China for its patience and restraint in pursuing peaceful reunification despite prolonged political tensions across the Taiwan Strait. The academic noted that 53 out of 54 African countries recognize the One-China principle, leaving Eswatini as the only African nation maintaining official diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
