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China, Nigeria Celebrate 2026 Chinese New Year, 55 Years of Diplomatic Ties
The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria on Saturday hosted a Temple Fair in Abuja to celebrate the 2026 Chinese Lunar New Year and commemorate 55 years of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria.
The event, held at the China Cultural Centre, brought together diplomats, government officials, members of the Chinese community and Nigerian guests for a day-long celebration featuring cultural exhibitions, martial arts demonstrations, music, traditional art, games and a wide variety of Chinese cuisine. The festivities were organised in honour of the ‘Year of the Horse’.
In his remarks, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, described the Spring Festival as the most significant cultural celebration in China, symbolising reunion, continuity and shared heritage for hundreds of millions of families around the world.
He noted that the 2026 Spring Festival, scheduled to be celebrated globally on February 17, has gained added international recognition following its inscription on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in late 2024. According to him, the recognition underscores the festival’s universal values of peace, harmony and cultural exchange.
Zhou explained that the Temple Fair was conceived not only as a cultural celebration but also as a bridge for fostering closer understanding between Chinese and Nigerian communities through shared experiences in food, art, sports and tradition.
Reflecting on bilateral ties, he recalled that diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria were formally established on February 10, 1971, a relationship that has since evolved into broad-based cooperation across multiple sectors.
“Over the past 55 years, regardless of changes in the international landscape, both sides have always upheld mutual respect, equality and win-win cooperation. From political mutual trust and economic cooperation to people-to-people exchanges, China–Nigeria relations have grown ever stronger and more fruitful,” he said.
He described the relationship as a strong example of South–South cooperation, noting steady growth in bilateral trade and sustained collaboration on major infrastructure projects. He added that both countries are currently in discussions on zero-tariff measures aimed at supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation and modernisation agenda.
Zhou also spoke on the significance of 2026 as the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, describing it as an opportunity to deepen cultural ties, share governance experiences and strengthen human connections beyond official diplomacy.
Drawing from Chinese tradition, he explained that the Year of the Horse symbolises diligence, perseverance, unity and innovation. He noted that the horse also appears on Nigeria’s Coat of Arms, representing strength and progress, qualities he said mirror the enduring partnership between the two nations.
Also speaking, Director-General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe, said the symbolism of the Year of the Horse resonates strongly with both countries, reflecting shared values of resilience, courage and forward movement. He said both nations remain committed to advancing cooperation and shared prosperity, driven by a spirit of determination and mutual respect.
Tegbe reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China Principle, describing it as the foundation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that has developed over more than five decades and continues to deliver tangible benefits to citizens of both countries.
Tegbe said the celebration was as much about the future as it was about past achievements, particularly following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Beijing in September 2024 and the subsequent elevation of bilateral ties at the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Highlighting ongoing collaboration, he cited China’s role in Nigeria’s infrastructure development, pointing to landmark projects such as rail modernisation efforts and the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which are transforming the country’s economic landscape.
He also spoke on progress under Nigeria’s National Integrated Poultry Project, inspired by China’s achievements in food security. The initiative, with an estimated initial investment of $1 billion, is set to commence in Kaduna, Oyo and Enugu states before expanding nationwide.
“When completed, the project is expected to produce six million eggs daily, house over seven million laying birds and two million broilers, and cultivate more than 60,000 hectares of maize and soybeans, while supporting local farmers with subsidised feedstock,” he said.
Tegbe said the revitalisation of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex is another key area of cooperation, with a projected annual output of 10 million metric tonnes, positioning Nigeria as a major industrial and manufacturing hub in Africa.
He further stressed the importance of educational and knowledge partnerships, noting that expanded scholarships, joint research initiatives and innovation-driven industrial parks would help strengthen people-to-people ties between Nigeria and China. According to him, sustainable cooperation must ultimately translate into meaningful benefits for ordinary citizens in both countries.
The event featured a vibrant showcase of cultural performances, musical acts, games and traditional Chinese delicacies.
February 7, 2026
FG, Turkey Deepen Talks on Visa Facilitation and Business Mobility
By Francis Wilfred
The Federal Government has intensified discussions with Turkey on visa facilitation and business mobility to strengthen bilateral relations and boost legitimate trade and investment. This formed the focus of a meeting between the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Mehmet Poroy, held in Abuja on Monday.The meeting took place at the Ministry of Interior Headquarters, where both parties explored ways to improve consular processes and ease travel for genuine businesspersons. According to officials, the talks align with Nigeria’s broader objective of promoting economic growth through international cooperation.
In a statement issued by the Head of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry, Mrs. Mary Ali, the Minister described the engagement as timely and productive. He noted that Nigeria and Turkey share long-standing historical and cultural ties that provide a strong platform for expanding collaboration in key areas.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a smart, structured, and practical approach to international cooperation. He emphasized that visa facilitation and business mobility are critical to enhancing people-to-people relations and supporting legitimate commercial activities between both countries.
Speaking during the meeting, Ambassador Poroy highlighted recent improvements in visa facilitation for Nigerian businesspeople travelling to Turkey. He explained that, following cooperation between Turkish authorities and Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior, visa applications are now processed locally. Verified businesspersons, he said, can now obtain visas within three to four days.The Turkish envoy, however, raised concerns about challenges faced by Turkish businesspeople seeking to visit Nigeria for trade fairs, investments, and other commercial engagements. He pointed to conflicting information on Nigerian visa requirements for Turkish citizens and requested written clarification to ensure accurate guidance for applicants.
A major issue discussed was Turkey’s inclusion in Nigeria’s electronic visa (e-visa) system. Ambassador Poroy explained that the absence of a Nigerian visa office in Istanbul creates logistical difficulties, forcing applicants to travel to Ankara. He said inclusion in the e-visa regime would significantly enhance business mobility and ease travel between both countries.In response, Dr. Tunji-Ojo assured that denying visas to genuine Nigerian or Turkish businesspeople is not in the interest of either country. He stressed the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, dialogue, and continuous improvement in visa administration.
The Minister also reaffirmed Nigeria’s openness to legitimate investors and international business partners, noting that streamlined visa processes are essential for attracting foreign investment and strengthening economic ties.The meeting further addressed concerns over the recognition of Nigerian marriage certificates by foreign missions. Dr. Tunji-Ojo clarified that all marriage certificates issued under Nigerian law are constitutionally valid and do not require additional verification.
Ambassador Poroy acknowledged the concern and pledged to review the Turkish Embassy’s procedures. Both parties agreed to sustain engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Turkey.
January 15, 2026
China, Tanzania Reaffirm Strategic Partnership, Pledge Deeper Cooperation
China and Tanzania have restated their commitment to a long-standing partnership anchored in history, mutual respect and a shared vision for the future, as both sides signaled readiness to expand cooperation across key sectors.
The renewed pledge came during talks on Saturday in Dar es Salaam between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, highlighted the deep-rooted ties between the two countries, describing their relationship as a legacy built by past leaders and sustained through changing global circumstances.
During the meeting, President Hassan asked Wang to convey her New Year goodwill to Chinese President Xi Jinping and expressed gratitude for China’s continued support for Tanzania’s development efforts, particularly within the framework of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Hassan reaffirmed Tanzania’s firm commitment to the one-China principle and emphasized her country’s willingness to further harmonize its national development agenda with China’s strategies. She outlined areas of priority cooperation, including expanded practical collaboration, the revitalization of the Tanzania–Zambia Railway to spur regional economic growth, stronger inter-party engagement, enhanced people-to-people exchanges, and sustained economic development that benefits both nations.
The Tanzanian leader also praised the major global initiatives put forward by President Xi, noting that Tanzania stands ready to strengthen multilateral coordination with China in pursuit of a more balanced and equitable global governance system.
Conveying President Xi’s warm greetings, Wang described China and Tanzania as close partners whose friendship has withstood international changes. He said Beijing attaches great importance to relations with Tanzania and is committed to translating the consensus reached by both heads of state into tangible outcomes.
According to Wang, China is prepared to deepen cooperation with Tanzania in areas such as governance experience sharing, development-oriented projects and cultural and people-to-people exchanges, while advancing the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.
He reaffirmed China’s support for Tanzania’s sovereignty, independence and chosen development path, and welcomed Tanzania’s continued adherence to the one-China principle. Wang also underscored the importance of high-quality cooperation, particularly the modernization of the Tanzania–Zambia Railway, which he described as a key driver of regional connectivity and growth.
China, Wang added, supports Tanzania’s active role in regional and international affairs and is ready to work with Tanzania and other developing countries to promote peace, stability and sustainable global development.
January 10, 2026
Nearly 600 Events Planned for 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges: FM Spokesperson
China and African countries are preparing to roll out close to 600 cultural and people-to-people exchange programmes in 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening mutual understanding and deepening ties between their societies.
The plan was announced by China’s Foreign Ministry on Friday, following the official launch of the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa on Thursday.
Speaking at a regular media briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the year-long initiative was agreed by leaders from both sides during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit. She described the programme as a key platform for expanding dialogue between civilizations and reinforcing people-centered cooperation between China and Africa.
According to Mao, the exchanges will cover a wide range of areas, including culture, education, tourism, youth engagement and social development, offering new opportunities for interaction and cooperation between Chinese and African communities.
She noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping marked the opening ceremony with a congratulatory message, encouraging both sides to use the exchange year to build on long-standing friendship, expand people-to-people contacts, particularly among young people, enhance the sharing of governance experience, and jointly pursue modernization.
The spokesperson also confirmed that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the launch event in Addis Ababa, where he emphasized the progress achieved in recent years in China–Africa cultural and social exchanges. During the ceremony, Wang and African representatives jointly unveiled the official logo for the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
Officials on both sides say the initiative is expected to reinforce public support for China–Africa relations and inject fresh momentum into bilateral cooperation beyond traditional political and economic engagement. The expanded exchanges are also seen as a step toward building a closer China–Africa community with a shared future, grounded in stronger connections between their peoples.
January 9, 2026
China, Africa Launch 2026 Year of People-to-People Exchanges in Addis Ababa
The 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges was officially launched on Thursday at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with leaders and diplomats from both sides calling for deeper dialogue and stronger bonds between the two civilizations.
The launch ceremony brought together more than 200 participants, including senior officials of the AU Commission and its institutions, African diplomats accredited to the AU, representatives of United Nations agencies, and government officials from Ethiopia and other sectors.
China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, read out a congratulatory message from Chinese President Xi Jinping and delivered a keynote address at the event. Other speakers included Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Jean-Claude Gakosso, Foreign Minister of the Republic of the Congo and African co-chair of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Wang described the launch of the Year of People-to-People Exchanges as a major initiative jointly agreed upon by President Xi and African leaders. He said President Xi’s message underscored the importance of mutual learning among civilizations as a driving force for China–Africa modernization and outlined key principles guiding future cultural and people-to-people cooperation.
According to Wang, the message reflects deep reflections on human civilization and provides strategic guidance for building an all-weather China–Africa community with a shared future in the new era.
He noted that China and Africa share a long history of friendship, adding that people-to-people exchanges have expanded rapidly in recent years under the direction of leaders on both sides, producing tangible and lasting outcomes. Such exchanges, he said, form the strongest foundation of bilateral ties and remain a vital engine of cooperation.
Wang also addressed the broader global context, observing that the world is undergoing profound changes and that the Global South, represented by China and Africa, is rising steadily. At the same time, he warned that instability persists, with power politics and unilateral actions undermining international law and harming the interests of developing countries.
In response to these challenges, he called on China and Africa to strengthen solidarity, uphold fairness and justice, prioritize development, put people at the center of cooperation, and promote openness, inclusiveness, and cultural exchange.
African leaders welcomed the launch of the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, describing it as a practical step toward implementing initiatives proposed by President Xi. They said the congratulatory message sent a strong signal of China’s commitment to deepening ties with Africa and expressed confidence that the initiative would usher in a new phase of Africa–China relations.
They noted that the initiative is expected to expand cooperation in areas such as culture, education, tourism, arts, and youth exchanges, while strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of both sides.
African representatives also highlighted the close bonds between Africans and Chinese, describing the relationship as mutually beneficial and rooted in shared values. They praised China’s consistent support for Africa’s development, as well as the long-standing tradition of Chinese foreign ministers choosing Africa as the destination of their first overseas visit each year.
Since the establishment of FOCAC, African leaders said, cooperation with China has delivered significant gains in trade, infrastructure connectivity, agriculture, education, telecommunications, and other sectors, contributing to the implementation of the African Union’s development agenda.
Looking ahead, the African side expressed readiness to further deepen cooperation with China under the FOCAC framework and the Belt and Road Initiative, with the aim of achieving shared development. In the face of growing global uncertainty, they also voiced support for China’s Global Governance Initiative and called for joint efforts to oppose hegemonism, defend the international order, and promote world peace.
January 9, 2026
African Union Reaffirms Unwavering Support for One-China Principle
The African Union (AU) has once again affirmed its unwavering support for the One-China principle, reiterating that there is only one China and that Taiwan remains an integral part of the country’s territory.
The position was restated during the 9th China–African Union Strategic Dialogue held on Thursday at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa. The high-level engagement was jointly chaired by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.
On the margins of the dialogue, the two leaders jointly participated in the opening ceremony of the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, a flagship initiative designed to deepen social, cultural, and institutional connections between China and African countries.
Discussions during the dialogue covered a wide spectrum of issues, including cooperation on modernization, reforms in global governance, zero-tariff market access, the International Organization for Mediation, and peace and development challenges in the Horn of Africa. Both sides observed that China and the African Union, as important actors within the Global South, share strong convergence on many key international and regional matters.
The AU and China emphasized the need to jointly safeguard the legitimate interests of developing countries and reaffirmed mutual support on issues of core national concern. They agreed that closer coordination and cooperation are essential to promoting stability, peace, and sustainable development at both regional and global levels.
Reiterating its long-standing position, the African Union reaffirmed that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate representative of China, expressing firm backing for Beijing’s efforts toward national reunification.
The dialogue also underscored a shared commitment to an international order grounded in international law, with particular emphasis on respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. In this context, both sides voiced concern over recent developments in Venezuela, stressing that all countries must adhere to the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.
On development cooperation, the two parties highlighted the importance of synchronizing China’s 15th Five-Year Plan with the African Union’s Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063, alongside commitments under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Such alignment, they noted, would strengthen joint efforts toward inclusive and sustainable economic transformation.
The AU and China also agreed to deepen collaboration around their respective priority initiatives. African-led programmes such as Agenda 2063, the Silencing the Guns initiative, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) were highlighted, alongside China’s Global Security Initiative, Global Governance Initiative, and the International Organization for Mediation.
Both sides reaffirmed their determination to fully implement existing agreements and memoranda of understanding and to unlock new areas of practical cooperation, with the shared aim of delivering concrete benefits to the peoples of Africa and China.
January 8, 2026
President Xi Sends Congratulatory Message to opening of 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges
Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory letter to the opening ceremony of the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, describing the initiative as a milestone in deepening friendship and mutual understanding between China and African countries.
In the letter released on Thursday, Xi said the decision to organize the year of people-to-people exchanges coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Africa and reflects an important consensus reached by leaders on both sides. He noted that the initiative marks a significant step toward consolidating public support for China–Africa relations at a new historical starting point.
Xi emphasized that exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations are an inexhaustible driving force for human progress, as well as for world peace and development. He pointed out that the great civilizations of China and Africa have enriched each other over thousands of years, forming the historical and intellectual foundation of the enduring China–Africa friendship.
The Chinese leader called on both sides to seize the opportunity presented by the exchange year to carry forward their traditional friendship, strengthen civilizational dialogue, and expand people-to-people interactions, particularly among young people. He also urged deeper exchanges of experience in governance and closer cooperation in advancing modernization.
According to Xi, such efforts will help strengthen bonds among the more than 2.8 billion people of China and Africa, uniting their aspirations and strengths. He added that closer cooperation would enable both sides to make fresh contributions to Global South solidarity in addressing global challenges, promoting common human values, and building a community with a shared future for humanity.
The designation of 2026 as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges stems from agreements at the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
It aligns with a broader theme of “Consolidate All-Weather Friendship, Pursue Shared Dream of Modernization,” featuring a range of activities in education, culture, tourism, sports, science, technology, and health.
The opening ceremony coincides with ongoing high-level engagements, including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visits to several African nations and attendance at related events at the African Union headquarters.
January 8, 2026
Taiwan elects new pro-Mainland China leader of KMT party
By Daybreak Nigeria
Newly elected opposition Kuomintang (KMT) Chairperson Cheng Li-wun on Saturday called on the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to “stop playing the anti-China card” to manipulate elections, and she denied allegations that her party is controlled by Beijing.
“I also urge the DPP not to sow hatred or division and to stop playing the China-bashing, anti-Communist, and anti-China cards just to manipulate elections and wage internal political battles,” Cheng said in her victory speech at the KMT’s headquarters in Taipei on Saturday evening.
Cheng, a former legislator, defeated five other candidates, including her main competitor, two-term Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin, to win Saturday’s election for leadership of the KMT.
“We should show the greatest sincerity and goodwill together to ease cross-strait confrontation and differences and ensure there is no more war across the Taiwan Strait,” the 55-year-old Cheng said.
“I believe this is a shared responsibility of all political parties in Taiwan,” she added.
Responding to reporters’ questions about the allegations by some political figures that the KMT has been “red-leaning” and appears to be “controlled by China,” Cheng said those were “very cheap labels.”
“Whenever elections come, they rush to slap ‘anti-China’ and ‘China-bashing’ red labels [on the KMT], and that does nothing to advance Taiwan,” she said.
“On the contrary, it has become the biggest source of infighting and stagnation in Taiwan.” Cheng said, urging politicians not to irresponsibly use “red labels” as a weapon in political fights.
Elections results, responses from other parties
Shortly before Cheng’s speech, KMT Vice Chairman Sean Lien, head of the team supervising the election, said the vote counting had largely concluded.
“Cheng Li-wun received the most votes and was elected” chairperson of the party, he announced.
In the final count, Cheng gained 65,122 votes, or 50.15 percent of the total, while Hau trailed at 35.85 percent with 46,551 votes, according to the KMT.
The race used a plurality — first-past-the-post — system, under which the top vote-getter won without needing an absolute majority.
Turnout was 130,678, or 39.46 percent of the 331,145 eligible party members, according to the KMT.
The other four candidates, Legislator Lo Chih-chiang, former Changhua County Magistrate Cho Po-yuan, former National Assembly member Tsai Chih-hung, and Chang Ya-chung, president of the NGO Sun Yat-sen School, gained 10.40 percent, 1.5 percent, 0.2 percent, and 1.91 percent, respectively.
Following Cheng’s victory, Huang Kuo-chang, chairman of the smaller opposition Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), said in a news release that he hoped the TPP and KMT would deepen exchanges, gradually build mutual trust, and establish a model of coalition governance.
DPP spokesperson Wu Cheng said in a news release that the party hopes the KMT will exercise rational oversight in the Legislature, put the national interest above party interests, and work together to handle the current national security challenges posed by China’s infiltration.
Cheng’s background
Cheng served as a legislator from 2008 to 2012 and again from 2020 to 2024, and as Cabinet spokesperson from 2012 to 2014 during the KMT administration of then-President Ma Ying-jeou.
It was her first run for the top KMT post, and her victory Saturday made her the second woman to be elected party chairperson, following Hung Hsiu-chu, who served from 2016 to 2017.
Cheng entered politics as a member of the DPP but left in 2002, before joining the KMT in 2005.
A graduate of National Taiwan University’s (NTU) College of Law, Cheng was active in student movements while at NTU and took part in the Wild Lily student movement — a 1990 pro-democracy sit-in in Taipei that pressed the then-ruling KMT administration for direct elections and broader democratization.
She also holds a master’s degree in international relations from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom and a Master of Laws from Temple University in the United States, according to Legislative Yuan records.
In a televised debate on Oct. 11, Cheng said that one of the mandates of her party is to make peace between the KMT and Chinese Communist Party. If elected, she said, she would be happy to meet with the Chinese leader — referring to President Xi Jinping.
CREDIT: focustaiwan
October 19, 2025
Japan Plunges into Political Turmoil as Ruling Coalition Collapses
Japan was thrown into political uncertainty on Friday after the collapse of its long-standing ruling coalition, following the decision by the Komeito party to withdraw from its alliance with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The shock move has cast serious doubt over Sane Takaichi’s prospects of becoming Japan’s first female prime minister.
Takaichi, who only recently became leader of the LDP, had been poised for parliamentary approval as prime minister later this month. However, Komeito’s abrupt exit from the coalition that has steered Japan for nearly 25 years has triggered a new phase of instability in Tokyo’s political landscape.
The announcement sent immediate tremors through financial markets — the yen weakened against the dollar, and the Nikkei index closed 1.0 per cent lower, reflecting investor anxiety over Japan’s political future.
Komeito leader **Tetsuo Saito** confirmed the party’s withdrawal after a tense meeting with LDP representatives in Tokyo.
> “We want the LDP-Komeito coalition to go back to the drawing board and end our relationship for now,” Saito told reporters. “Since we have not received clear cooperation from the LDP on our key reform demands, it is impossible for us to nominate Ms. Takaichi for prime minister.”
Saito said Komeito had lost confidence in the LDP’s willingness to address internal corruption, particularly following the recent slush fund scandal that has tainted the ruling party’s credibility. According to Japanese media, Saito told Takaichi directly that her explanations regarding the scandal were “unsatisfactory” and did not inspire trust.
Despite ending the political partnership, Saito noted that Komeito would still support certain pending legislation, including **budget bills and administrative reforms**, to ensure governmental continuity.
The coalition collapse marks a major setback for Takaichi, 64, who succeeded Shigeru Ishiba after he resigned amid falling approval ratings and electoral losses in both houses of parliament. Voter frustration over **rising inflation, stagnant wages, and corruption scandals** has severely eroded support for the LDP.
Komeito’s exit is also believed to have been influenced by ideological differences. The party, traditionally moderate and backed by the Buddhist organization Soka Gakkai, reportedly grew uneasy with Takaichi’s hardline conservative views, particularly her past visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japan’s war dead — including convicted war criminals.
Takaichi’s mentor, the late Shinzo Abe, faced intense backlash from China, South Korea, and the United States after visiting the shrine as prime minister in 2013. Japanese media reports this week suggest that Takaichi may avoid visiting the shrine during the upcoming **autumn festival from October 17 to 19**, in an effort to prevent diplomatic tensions.
Upon her victory in the LDP leadership race, Takaichi — often compared to Margaret Thatcher, whom she cites as an inspiration — declared the dawn of a “new era” for Japan. She defeated Shinjiro Koizumi, a popular 44-year-old lawmaker known for his reformist and socially progressive stance, in a runoff that exposed deep divisions within the LDP.
The party’s internal fractures and loss of voter confidence have opened the political field to smaller opposition movements, including the anti-immigration Sanseito party, which has seen a surge in support among disaffected voters.
If confirmed as prime minister, Takaichi would face formidable challenges — an ageing population, sluggish economic growth, geopolitical tensions in East Asia, and contentious debates over immigration policy.
One of her first major international tasks would be hosting U.S. President Donald Trump, who is expected to make an official stopover in Japan in late October — a visit that will likely test Takaichi’s diplomatic mettle amid Japan’s most uncertain political moment in decades.
October 10, 2025
China And Nigeria Reaffirm Strategic Partnership at PRC’s 76th Anniversary Celebration
Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and deepening cooperation under a comprehensive strategic partnership, as both countries marked the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) at a reception in Abuja on Wednesday.
The event brought together distinguished personalities, including top government officials, lawmakers, diplomats, leaders of Chinese enterprises, and Chinese and Nigerian nationals.
In his remarks, Yu Dunhai, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, highlighted China’s achievements in economic growth, poverty reduction, and modernisation, noting that the country has lifted over 800 million people out of poverty and continues to contribute more than 30% to global economic growth.
He said China is eager to share development opportunities with Africa, noting that in June, President Xi Jinping announced a zero-tariff policy for 100% of tariff lines on products from African countries with diplomatic ties to China, a measure he said would boost Africa’s strategic autonomy and development.
The envoy stressed the importance of the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), launched by President Xi Jinping, and expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s endorsement of the framework.
“China deeply appreciates this support and backs Nigeria’s greater role on the international stage,” he said.
Ambassador Yu also pointed to Nigeria-specific projects that have brought tangible benefits, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, expected to generate $360 billion in economic benefits and 170,000 jobs over 45 years, and the Abuja Water Supply Project, which will serve nearly 3 million residents, and ongoing talks to establish Africa’s first local insulin production facility in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin congratulated China and praised its transformation into a global leader in innovation, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation. He emphasised the symbolic bond between the two countries, noting that both China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day fall on October 1.
Barau, who was represented by Senator Babangida Hussaini, noted the tangible outcomes of Nigeria–China cooperation, from modern railways and airports to industrial parks and power projects, stressing that Chinese investments are visible across Nigeria.
He also pointed to President Tinubu’s state visit to China in 2024, which elevated bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and led to new agreements in industrialization, digital economy, and renewable energy.
The lawmaker reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to China through projects aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Belt and Road Initiative, pledging the National Assembly’s support for transparent and sustainable partnerships.
The celebration featured captivating performances by a Shenzhen delegation, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of China.
On October 1, 1949, Chinese Communist leader Mao Zedong declared the creation of the People’s Republic of China, while diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China were established in 1971.
September 25, 2025