Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Relations, Rep. Jaafaru Yakubu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s firm commitment to the One-China Policy, dismissing recent comments from Taiwan’s Trade Mission in Nigeria as misleading and provocative.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, Yakubu responded to remarks made by Andy Yih-Ping Liu, Head of Taiwan’s Trade Mission, who claimed that Taiwan was not part of China. He described Liu’s statement as propaganda aimed at disrupting the longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship between Nigeria and China.

“For the record, United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, adopted in 1971, recognised the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate representative of all of China, including Taiwan,” Yakubu said.

He reiterated that Nigeria has consistently upheld the One-China Policy since establishing diplomatic ties with Beijing in 1971, and any attempt by Taiwan’s trade office to challenge this position would be unsuccessful.

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Yakubu condemned Liu’s comments as a deliberate attempt to involve Nigeria in China’s internal affairs, which he said contradicts the principles of mutual respect and non-interference that define Nigeria-China relations.

Responding to Liu’s claim that Beijing is a bully, Yakubu emphasized the positive outcomes of Nigeria’s partnership with China.

“Since 1971, our bilateral relations have significantly grown. In 2024, we elevated our ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit in Beijing,” he stated.

He noted that China has been instrumental in Nigeria’s infrastructural development, contributing to projects in transportation, power, and water sectors. “Today, Nigeria is China’s second-largest trading partner in Africa, with trade volumes exceeding $20 billion,” Yakubu added.

He concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s dedication to deepening its ties with China, based on shared values, respect for sovereignty, and economic cooperation.

NAN