China has urged Nigerian media organisations to avoid describing Taiwan as a sovereign country separate from China, while offering journalists training programmes, professional exchanges and opportunities to visit the Asian nation.
The position was presented by Xu Fan, Director of Bilateral Relations and Commerce at the Chinese Consulate General in Lagos, during a meeting with Nigerian media executives, according to a report by Arise News.
Xu said China’s position on Taiwan was based on historical records, international agreements and the diplomatic framework established after the Second World War.
He cited United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 of 1971 and Nigeria’s diplomatic recognition of the People’s Republic of China, arguing that the One-China Principle remained the foundation of diplomatic relations between Beijing and Abuja.
He also referenced Nigeria’s reaffirmation of the principle during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to China in September 2024.
Xu clarified that China did not oppose Nigerian media coverage of Taiwan but objected to descriptions that could be interpreted as recognising the island as a separate sovereign state.
Media Executives Defend Editorial Independence
The Chinese diplomat’s position prompted an exchange with Nigerian media executives, who stressed that editorial independence and the freedom to report matters of public interest must be protected.
Participants maintained that sensitive diplomatic disagreements should be addressed through dialogue, factual clarification and the right of reply without compromising journalists’ professional responsibilities.
The meeting was convened by Peter Ogbonna Eze, representative of Buffalo and Bay Media, and featured former Nigerian diplomat Ambassador Anderson Madubike.
Eze urged media organisations to report Nigeria-China relations with accuracy, balance and context, noting that media coverage influences how the public understands foreign countries, policies and opportunities.
Madubike described relations between both countries as extensive, pointing to cooperation in trade, infrastructure and other sectors. He also called for reporting that reflects the experiences of Nigerian students, entrepreneurs and traders in China, alongside Chinese businesses and workers in Nigeria.
China-Nigeria Trade Hits $28bn
The discussions also examined trade imbalances, Nigeria’s dependence on imports and complaints by Nigerian traders that some Chinese businesses compete directly with local operators in the retail market.
Xu acknowledged the concerns and advocated clearer regulatory boundaries between wholesale and retail activities rather than excluding Chinese businesses from Nigeria.
Read also: Fitch Revises Nigeria’s Credit Outlook To Positive, Retains B Rating
He also called for increased Chinese investment in local manufacturing, saying the establishment of more factories in Nigeria could create jobs, transfer skills and support industrial development.
The diplomat disclosed that bilateral trade reached approximately $28 billion in 2025. He also described China as Nigeria’s largest market for engineering contractors and second-largest export market, while identifying it as the third-largest trading partner in Africa.
Xu further highlighted China’s zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, including Nigeria. He said Nigerian agricultural products such as sesame, cashew nuts and cocoa could benefit, subject to applicable rules of origin, inspection and quarantine requirements.
Chinese Government Addresses Illegal Mining Concerns
Illegal mining involving some Chinese nationals in Nigeria also featured in the discussions.
Xu distinguished between law-abiding Chinese businesses and individuals allegedly involved in illegal activities, saying violations of Nigerian law were unacceptable.
He said Chinese diplomatic authorities were cooperating with Nigerian institutions by providing information and supporting efforts to identify Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in illegal mining.
According to Xu, the Chinese government would not shield individuals found to have violated Nigerian laws.
Participants called for stronger Chinese investment in manufacturing, technology transfer and local value addition, arguing that economic cooperation should deliver more benefits to Nigeria through employment, skills development and domestic production.
China Offers Nigerian Journalists Training, Exchanges
In his concluding remarks, Xu described Nigerian media organisations as “partners and friends, not enemies” and offered to strengthen cooperation through training programmes, seminars, professional exchanges and media delegations.
He said Chinese authorities would continue to facilitate opportunities for Nigerian journalists to visit China and learn about its society, culture, economy, development and political system.
Xu also invited media organisations to propose joint initiatives, including media programmes, publications and professional exchange projects.
The engagement highlighted the challenge of balancing diplomatic sensitivities with editorial independence, particularly when reporting on politically contested issues such as Taiwan.
While China maintains that Taiwan is part of its territory, the island has its own elected government and operates separately from Beijing. Its international status remains disputed, making precise attribution and careful language important in reporting on the issue.
The meeting ended with calls for sustained dialogue, accurate reporting and stronger people-to-people engagement to build mutual understanding and ensure that Nigeria-China cooperation delivers benefits to both countries.
