Reps reaffirm commitment to ‘One-China’ policy

The House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Relations has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the ‘One-China’ policy, recognizing Taiwan as an integral part of the People’s Republic of China.

Committee Chairman, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu, made the statement on Tuesday in response to remarks attributed to Andy Yih-Ping Liu, Head of Taiwan’s Trade Mission in Nigeria.

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Liu’s recent assertion that Taiwan is not part of China was dismissed by the lawmaker as propaganda intended to undermine the strong and mutually beneficial diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and China.

“For the record, United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, adopted in 1971, recognized the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate representative of the whole China, including Taiwan.

“The One-China Policy remains the cornerstone of China-Nigeria relations. Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1971, Nigeria has consistently honored this principle. Efforts by Taiwan’s trade office to challenge this stance are futile and will not succeed,” he said.

The chairman criticised Liu’s comments as an attempt to draw Nigeria into China’s internal affairs, calling them a deliberate move to sow discord and provoke a diplomatic rift.

“Nigeria’s relationship with China is built on mutual respect and non-interference in each other’s political matters,” he noted.

Addressing Liu’s claim that Beijing acts as a bully, Hon. Yakubu highlighted the positive trajectory of Nigeria-China cooperation.

“Contrary to these baseless assertions, Nigeria has enjoyed a mutually beneficial partnership with China, yielding tangible results for both nations.

“Since 1971, our ties have grown significantly. In 2024, during the FOCAC Summit in Beijing, we elevated this relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Today, Nigeria stands as China’s second-largest trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade surpassing $20 billion.

“China has also played a critical role in Nigeria’s infrastructural modernization through substantial investments in various sectors, including rail networks, road construction, ports, power stations, and water treatment facilities,” he added.