Reps Reaffirm Nigeria’s Commitment To One-China Principle

Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nigeria-China Parliamentary Relations, has reiterated Nigeria’s strong commitment to the One-China Principle, asserting that Taiwan is an integral part of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

Speaking to journalists in his Abuja office on Wednesday, the lawmaker said the legislative arm of government would resist any attempts by Andy Yih-Ping Liu, Head of Taiwan’s Trade Mission in Nigeria, to undermine the mutually beneficial diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and China.

Hon. Jaafaru described Liu’s recent comments that the Nigerian government should relocate Taiwan’s Trade Office from Lagos to Abuja as a direct affront to the One-China policy that could provoke a diplomatic conflict with serious repercussions.

He said, “I have been closely monitoring the recent statements made by Andy Yih-Ping Liu, Head of Taiwan’s Trade Mission in Nigeria. These remarks, which have escalated in recent weeks, pose a risk of creating a diplomatic rift in the cooperative relationship between Nigeria and China.

“The One-China Principle is the foundation of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria, and we, as a nation, remain steadfast in our commitment to uphold this policy.

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“The recent media engagements, strategic visits, and statements from Mr. Liu appear to be part of a coordinated effort by Taiwan to incite unnecessary tension and strain the China-Nigeria relationship, jeopardising the progress achieved by both nations. We recognise only one China, and Taiwan is part of that China.”

Hon. Jaafaru further clarified that only one Chinese embassy in Nigeria, located in Abuja, insisted that the Taiwan Trade Office in Lagos remain there solely for trade purposes.

“Any attempt to relocate it to Abuja is an affront to the One China policy and will be met with resistance through appropriate channels,” he said.

The lawmaker noted that China-Nigeria relations have flourished, yielding significant results across key sectors such as trade, investment, infrastructure, technology, human capital development, and people-to-people partnerships.

“The relationship between China and Nigeria has evolved considerably since establishing diplomatic ties in 1971. In 2024, we elevated our relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the FOCAC Summit in Beijing. Nigeria is China’s second-largest trading partner in Africa, with a trade volume exceeding $20 billion.

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