The Chinese government has again defended its long-standing position on Taiwan, insisting the island is not a sovereign state but an inseparable part of Chinese territory.
The stance was reiterated during a media forum held in Abuja by the Centre for China Studies and the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research. The event focused on the One-China principle and its role in strengthening relations between China and Nigeria.
Speaking at the gathering, Dong Hairong, a counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, said recent international engagements involving Taiwan had renewed the need to clarify Beijing’s position on the issue.
She referenced the recent visit of Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te to Eswatini, alongside reported interactions between Taiwanese officials and some Nigerian journalists, describing them as attempts to promote separatist narratives.
According to her, Taiwan has historically been part of China and international agreements after World War II recognised that territories seized by Japan, including Taiwan, should be returned to Chinese control.
“Taiwan has never been a country, was never one and will never be,” she said.
Dong argued that since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Beijing has remained the only legitimate government representing all of China, including Taiwan.
She also cited the 1971 United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, saying it reinforced international recognition of the One-China policy by acknowledging only one Chinese seat at the United Nations.
The Chinese diplomat accused pro-independence groups in Taiwan of pushing actions capable of destabilising peace across the Taiwan Strait, but maintained that China remains committed to peaceful reunification while protecting its territorial integrity.
She praised Nigeria for consistently supporting the One-China principle since diplomatic relations between both countries began in 1971.
Dong added that Nigeria reaffirmed that support during Bola Tinubu’s state visit to China in September 2024, when both nations issued a joint statement opposing Taiwan independence.
According to her, the One-China principle has remained the foundation of the growing strategic partnership between Nigeria and China.
