(By H.E. Yu Dunhai, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria)
October 25 may appear to be an ordinary day on the calendar, but for the entire Chinese nation, including our Taiwan compatriots, it carries a profound and distinctive significance.
On October 24, 2025, China’s national legislature adopted a decision in accordance with the Constitution,officially designating October 25 as the Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration. This decision has been warmly embraced by people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. It not only reflects the unwavering commitment of all Chinese people to uphold the one-China principle, safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also gives voice to the shared aspirations of all the Chinese people at home and abroad, including our Taiwan compatriots. This significant move will undoubtedly inspire people across the Taiwan Strait to carry forward the traditions of patriotism and the great spirit of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, with the aim of achieving the complete reunification of the motherland and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
80 years ago, the Chinese people achieved a great victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War after 14 years of arduous and bloody struggles. The historic moment has witnessed Taiwan’s return to the motherland. On October 25, 1945, the ceremony to accept Japan’s surrender in the Taiwan Province of the China war theater of the Allied powers was held in Taipei. The Chinese government proclaimed that “As of today, Taiwan and the Penghu Islands have officially been reincorporated to China’s territory, and all lands, people and administrative affairs therein have been placed under Chinese sovereignty.” From that point on, Taiwan and the Penghu Islands returned to China’s sovereign jurisdiction.
Taiwan compatriots were freed from the shackles of colonial rule and joyfully celebrated their return to the motherland. The restoration of Taiwan to the motherland is a major outcome of the Chinese people’s victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. It is an important part of the post-war international order and a historical fact enshrined in the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, and must never be distorted or denied.
54 years ago, the Chinese government ushered in the historic moment of restoring its lawful seat in the United Nations after 22 years of resolute struggle against hegemonism and power politics. On October 25, 1971, the 26th Session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758 by an overwhelming majority, deciding to restore all rights of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations and recognizing the representatives of the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the only legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations. Once and for all, UNGA Resolution 2758 resolved, politically, legally and procedurally, the issue of the representation of the whole of China, including Taiwan, in the United Nations and other international institutions. It also made it clear that there can only be one seat representing China to the United Nations. No issue exists regarding the so-called “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan”.
The One-China Principle embodied by UNGA Resolution 2758 has become an unshakable international consensus and a fundamental norm governing international relations. A total of 183 countries, including Nigeria, have established and developed diplomatic relations with China on the basis of the One-China Principle. The Taiwan authorities under the Democratic Progressive Party, in collusion with external forces, deliberately distort and challenge the One-China Principle and Resolution 2758, trumpeting the fallacy that Taiwan’s status is undetermined. This not only challenges China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also undermines the authority of the United Nations and the post-WWII international order. It is an absurd and dangerous attempt to turn back the wheel of history. No foreign interference with the One-China Principle shall be tolerated. No individual or force attempting to interfere in China’s internal affairs or distort UNGA Resolution 2758 will ever succeed.
Nigeria has consistently adhered to the One-China Principle and worked with China to uphold the authority of UNGA Resolution 2758 since the establishment of its diplomatic relations with China in 1971. During President Tinubu’s state visit to China last year, Nigeria reaffirmed in the Joint Statement its firm commitment to the One-China Principle, its opposition to any form of “Taiwan Independence” or interference in China’s internal affairs, and its firm support for all efforts made by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification. Over the past year, China-Nigeria relations have entered a fast track of development, with fruitful results in practical cooperation. Our two countries firmly support each other in safeguarding their respective national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and jointly promote prosperity and development. The building of a China-Nigeria community with a shared future has achieved tangible results, benefiting the peoples of both countries.
