Amanze Chinonye
China has urged Nigerian media organisations to avoid describing Taiwan as a sovereign state separate from China, while offering journalists training, professional exchanges and visits to the country during a meeting with senior media executives in Lagos.
Join our WhatsApp Channel
Xu Fan, director of bilateral relations and commerce at the Chinese Consulate General in Lagos, outlined Beijing’s position on Taiwan at the meeting, citing Nigeria’s adherence to the One-China principle.
READ ALSO :
Stop Intimidating Us, Taiwan’s New President Tells China
Xu said China did not object to Nigerian media reporting on Taiwan but opposed descriptions that, in Beijing’s view, suggested the island was an independent country. He also objected to references such as “Taiwan ambassador to Nigeria”, arguing that such terminology was inconsistent with China’s diplomatic position.
He cited historical records, international agreements and United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, adopted in 1971, in explaining Beijing’s position.
Nigeria reaffirmed its adherence to the One-China principle during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to China in September 2024. A joint statement issued by the two countries said Nigeria recognised the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing China.
Taiwan, which has its own elected government and institutions, rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claim. Resolution 2758 settled the question of China’s representation at the United Nations, although its implications for Taiwan’s political status remain disputed.
The appeal prompted an exchange with Nigerian media executives, who stressed that diplomatic sensitivities should not override editorial independence or journalists’ responsibility to report matters of public interest.
The meeting was convened by Peter Ogbonna Eze of Buffalo and Bay Media and featured former Nigerian diplomat Anderson Madubike, who served as Nigeria’s high commissioner to Australia, consul general in Shanghai and chargé d’affaires to South Africa.
Eze said Nigeria-China relations had expanded beyond traditional diplomatic engagement to encompass trade, infrastructure, agriculture, education, technology and investment. He urged media organisations to provide accurate, balanced and contextual reporting to help the public understand the opportunities and challenges associated with the partnership.
Madubike said public understanding was essential to sustaining diplomatic relations. He added that media coverage could help investors and businesses navigate market conditions, regulations and commercial opportunities in both countries.
Participants also raised concerns about Nigeria’s trade imbalance with China, dependence on imports and competition between Chinese businesses and Nigerian retailers.
Xu acknowledged the concerns and advocated clearer regulatory distinctions between wholesale and retail activities rather than excluding Chinese businesses from Nigeria. He said Chinese diplomatic authorities had engaged traders, market officials and other stakeholders to explore possible solutions.
He also called for increased Chinese investment in Nigerian manufacturing, arguing that establishing factories and production facilities locally could create jobs, transfer technical skills and support industrial development.
Xu put bilateral trade at approximately $28 billion in 2025. He also highlighted opportunities for Nigerian agricultural products, including sesame, cashew nuts and cocoa, to enter the Chinese market, subject to applicable trade, inspection and quarantine requirements.
READ MORE :
China to Scrap Tariffs for 53 African Countries from May 1, Excludes Eswatini
China’s zero-tariff initiative for 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, including Nigeria, was another focus of the discussion. Xu said the policy could create opportunities for Nigerian exporters, provided they met the relevant market-access requirements.
Illegal mining involving some Chinese nationals in Nigeria was also raised. Xu said Chinese authorities were cooperating with Nigerian institutions to address illegal activities and would not shield individuals found to have violated Nigerian law.
The discussions also highlighted calls for bilateral cooperation to deliver greater benefits through local manufacturing, technology transfer, skills development and value addition, rather than relying predominantly on infrastructure projects and imports of finished goods.
In his concluding remarks, Xu described Nigerian media organisations as “partners and friends, not enemies” and offered to strengthen cooperation through training programmes, seminars, media delegations and professional exchanges.
He invited participating organisations to propose joint initiatives, including publications and media programmes, and said Chinese authorities would continue to facilitate opportunities for Nigerian journalists to visit China and learn about its society, economy and development. No specific timetable or funding arrangements for the proposed initiatives were announced.
The meeting highlighted the challenge of deepening Nigeria-China diplomatic and economic ties while preserving the independence of Nigerian newsrooms in covering sensitive international issues and scrutinising the effects of bilateral policies.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
