China remains committed to the One-China principle and will not recognize Taiwan as an independent state. Officials in Abuja stressed this position at a media gathering on Thursday.
Dong Hairong, counselor at China's embassy in Nigeria, addressed journalists at an event organized by two research centers. She emphasized that Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory, not a separate nation.
Recent moves by Taiwan's regional leader, Lai Ching-te, drew her concern. Hairong also flagged engagement between some Nigerian journalists and Taiwanese officials as troubling.
According to her, these actions promote separatist ideas that contradict historical facts. "Taiwan has been an inalienable part of Chinese territory since ancient times," Hairong noted.
She was blunt about Taiwan's status going forward. "Taiwan has never been a country, was never one and will never be," the counselor added.
Otunba Segun Showunmi, who leads The Alternative Movement, backed Beijing's position. He argued Nigeria should prioritize deeper ties with China over separate dealings with Taiwan.
Showunmi outlined the economic case for this approach. "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 told the audience.
Prof. Ghali Ibrahim, who directs the Centre for China-Africa Research, also weighed in on the matter.
He noted that the One-China principle has won broad international acceptance.
According to him, this support reflects reality on the ground. "Taiwan is not an independent sovereign entity but rather a territory that is part of China," Ibrahim stated.
