Nigeria’s Tinubu‑Xi Joint Statement Reaffirms One‑China Policy Amid Warnings Against Taiwan Diplomatic Misrepresentation

Nigeria affirmed its One-China Principle in a September 2024 joint statement between President Bola Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping. This policy clarifies Nigeria's stance on Taiwan amidst recent warnings against diplomatic misrepresentation.

Nigeria recently solidified its commitment to the One-China Principle, a foundational element of its foreign policy. This principle recognizes the People's Republic of China (PRC) as the sole legal government of China, considering Taiwan an integral part of its territory. President Bola Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed this position in a joint statement signed during Tinubu's September 2024 visit to Beijing. This reiteration marks a consistent diplomatic approach.

This stance has guided Nigeria's international engagements since 1971, when diplomatic relations with the PRC were established. The One-China Principle is a widely accepted international norm; globally, more than 183 countries maintain diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, aligning with this principle. Nigeria's consistent position reflects this broader international consensus.

The House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Relations recently addressed specific concerns regarding diplomatic language. Its Chairman stated that referring to a "Taiwanese government" directly contradicts Nigeria's established foreign policy. Such phrasing, the Chairman noted, also undermines Nigeria's strategic partnership with China, which forms a vital part of Nigeria's foreign relations.

This partnership with China contributes significantly to Nigeria's development. It spans critical sectors like transportation infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and technology, attracting substantial capital investment. To ensure diplomatic clarity and reinforce its policy, Nigeria previously directed the Taiwan trade office to relocate from Abuja, the seat of government, to Lagos in 2017, underscoring its non-diplomatic status.

Nigeria's consistent adherence to the One-China Principle defines its official interactions. It ensures that commercial and cultural engagements with Taiwan do not imply state-level diplomatic recognition. This clear diplomatic framework supports a stable and predictable environment for Nigeria's deep strategic partnership with China. Future diplomatic communications will likely continue to reflect this reaffirmed commitment, shaping Nigeria's posture on international sovereignty questions and bilateral relations.