Nigeria’s newly appointed Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (retd.), has officially assumed his diplomatic responsibilities in Beijing after presenting copies of his credentials to China’s Assistant Foreign Minister and Director-General of the Protocol Department, Hong Lei.

The ceremony held in Beijing marks the formal commencement of Dambazau’s mission in China, authorising him to undertake official engagements and represent Nigeria’s interests in one of its most significant bilateral relationships.

A former Chief of Army Staff and Minister of Interior, Dambazau was named ambassador by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic presence in key strategic countries.

His posting comes at a period of increasing cooperation between Nigeria and China, with both nations expanding collaboration in commerce, infrastructure, technology, education, security and cultural exchanges.

Over the past decade, China has remained one of Nigeria’s leading economic partners. Trade volumes between the two countries have continued to rise, with bilateral commerce exceeding $28 billion in 2025. The growth reflects stronger economic ties and increasing demand for Chinese industrial products, machinery and technological equipment within the Nigerian market.

Beyond commercial relations, China’s involvement in Nigeria’s development landscape has become increasingly visible through major infrastructure projects supported by Chinese financing and technical expertise.

Among the flagship projects linked to China-Nigeria cooperation are the Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos, modern railway developments connecting key parts of the country, and the construction of new terminal facilities at major airports, including those in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu.

Other notable projects include the rehabilitation and expansion of major highways such as the Abuja-Keffi corridor and the Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi-Enugu route, as well as strategic investments in the energy and water sectors through the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant and the Greater Abuja Water Supply Scheme.

Observers believe Dambazau’s appointment comes at a crucial stage in relations between Abuja and Beijing, as both governments seek to unlock new opportunities in investment, industrialisation, agriculture, innovation and human capital development.

Given his extensive background in military leadership, governance and public administration, the retired army general is expected to play a significant role in advancing Nigeria’s diplomatic objectives while facilitating stronger economic and strategic cooperation with China.

His tenure is anticipated to focus on attracting investment, promoting trade, strengthening educational and cultural exchanges, and expanding partnerships that support Nigeria’s development agenda.

China and Nigeria have reiterated their commitment to deepening youth-focused cooperation and advancing a shared future framework for China-Africa relations.

They made the call at a high-level youth exchange seminar jointly organised by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.

The event held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja brought together diplomats, government officials, and young leaders for discussions on cooperation in trade, innovation, culture, and sustainable development.

Speaking at the event, Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, said young people remain central to the future of China-Nigeria and broader China-Africa relations. He called for stronger youth engagement across diplomacy, technology, entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, and trade relations.

Zhou said the seminar was particularly significant as both countries mark 55 years of diplomatic relations, noting that China is introducing new initiatives aimed at strengthening economic ties with Africa, including zero tariffs on goods from 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with Beijing.

He stressed that such measures are designed to deepen mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and enhance people-to-people relations.

According to him, “China is working with all brothers and sisters across Africa, including Nigeria, to strengthen political trust, expand cooperation, deepen mutual learning, bring our people closer, and ensure this friendship continues for generations.”

He urged young people from both countries to position themselves as ambassadors of cooperation and understanding, noting that global challenges require collective solutions rather than isolated efforts.

Zhou also reaffirmed the Chinese Embassy’s commitment to working with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Youth Development to expand platforms for youth engagement, innovation, and cross-cultural collaboration.

In his remarks, Director of Education and Youth Development at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Despan Kwardem, said the future of Nigeria-China relations will be largely determined by young people rather than governments alone.

He highlighted the importance of equipping youths with skills in technology, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and innovation, describing them as key drivers of economic growth and national development.

Kwardem also emphasized that the idea of a “shared future” extends beyond geography, pointing to the rise of digital communities and global innovation networks.

“Government is only a facilitator. Young people are the real drivers of this vision. You must take ownership and work with your Chinese counterparts to shape the future we want together,” he said.

He further urged youths to actively engage in building partnerships that promote mutual understanding and long-term cooperation between both nations.

The seminar featured panel discussions on strategic cooperation, economic partnerships, and people-to-people connectivity, with participants exploring opportunities in trade, cultural exchange, education, innovation, and youth empowerment.

Stakeholders also examined how the China-Africa community with a shared future could support stronger, more stable, and mutually beneficial relations between Nigeria and China.

Stakeholders in diplomacy, academia and media have reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China Principle, describing it as the foundation of the enduring strategic partnership between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.

The position was reiterated during a Media Salon on the One-China Principle held at the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, Abuja, under the theme: “Understanding the One-China Principle and Its Role in Deepening China–Nigeria Strategic Relations.”

The event was organised by the Centre for China Studies and the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria.

In her remarks,  Dong Hairong, Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, said the international community must maintain clarity on the Taiwan question and resist what she described as “deceptive propaganda” by Taiwan authorities pushing for independence.

She stressed that Taiwan has historically been part of China and that the People’s Republic of China remains the sole legitimate government representing all of China under international law and United Nations Resolution 2758.

According to her, attempts by Taiwan’s leadership to expand what he called separatist activities undermine international consensus and threaten regional stability.

The Chinese envoy also referenced recent developments involving Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te, including a visit to Eswatini and engagements involving some Nigerian journalists with Taiwanese officials, warning against actions that could contradict Nigeria’s long-standing adherence to the One-China Principle.

She noted that Nigeria has consistently reaffirmed its recognition of the People’s Republic of China as the only legitimate government of China since diplomatic ties were established in 1971.

Dong Hairong recalled that during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to China in September 2024, Nigeria reiterated its support for China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, including recognition of Taiwan as an inalienable part of China.

The counselor said the One-China Principle remains the political bedrock of China-Nigeria relations, which he noted have grown into a comprehensive strategic partnership with expanding economic and infrastructural cooperation.

Highlighting recent cooperation, she cited the handover of the new Economic Community of West African States headquarters complex in Abuja, built with Chinese assistance, as well as China’s implementation of zero-tariff treatment for exports from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to Beijing, including Nigeria.

She explained that the policy would provide broader access for Nigerian agricultural products such as sesame, ginger, cocoa and cashew nuts into the Chinese market.

Dong Hairong urged Nigerian journalists to adopt objective and accurate terminology in reporting Taiwan-related issues, warning against descriptions that imply Taiwan is a sovereign state.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, Director of the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research, described global support for the One-China Principle as overwhelming, noting that 53 out of 54 African countries recognise Beijing.

He argued that Taiwan is not a sovereign state under international law and said the majority of countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and other regions support the position that there is only one China.

Prof. Ghali commended China’s approach to the Taiwan issue, describing Beijing as patient in pursuing peaceful reunification despite long-standing political differences across the Taiwan Strait.

According to him, successive Chinese leaders from Mao Zedong to Xi Jinping have consistently promoted peaceful reunification under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework.

He also criticised Eswatini for maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan, expressing optimism that the Southern African kingdom would eventually align with the broader African consensus supporting Beijing.

On his part, Prof. Sam Amadi provided a broader diplomatic and legal interpretation of the One-China Principle and the One-China Policy, explaining that while they are often used interchangeably, they differ in meaning and application.

He explained that the One-China Principle reflects Beijing’s position that there is only one China under the sovereignty of the People’s Republic of China, while the One-China Policy represents how other countries acknowledge and manage relations around that position.

Amadi noted that many countries maintain what he described as “strategic ambiguity,” acknowledging Beijing diplomatically while still engaging Taiwan economically and commercially.

He argued that African countries should avoid formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan while carefully calibrating trade and investment engagements to ensure they do not contradict international law or existing commitments to Beijing.

The legal scholar acknowledged China’s growing developmental footprint across Africa, especially in infrastructure and regional integration projects, noting that China has emerged as one of Africa’s most significant development partners in recent decades.

He, however, cautioned against what he termed “sovereignty for rent,” alleging that some countries recognise Taiwan in exchange for economic incentives.

Other speakers, including Charles Onunaju, Segun Showunmi and Prof Mukhtar Imam, called for stronger public understanding of the One-China Principle and deeper cooperation between Nigeria and China in trade, infrastructure, cultural exchanges and diplomatic engagement.