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Tag: Yu Dunhai

  • Chinese Ambassador Meets President Tinubu, Reaffirms Beijing’s Commitment to Stronger Nigeria Ties

    Chinese Ambassador Meets President Tinubu, Reaffirms Beijing’s Commitment to Stronger Nigeria Ties

    China has renewed its pledge to strengthen its partnership with Nigeria as Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday.

    The visit demonstrates the steady rise in cooperation between both nations, with Ambassador Yu praising the advances made in the China–Nigeria Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

    According to him, bilateral relations have entered a period of accelerated growth driven by consistent high-level engagement and shared strategic priorities.

    Yu noted that China and Nigeria have continued to support each other on issues vital to their national interests.

    He emphasized China’s ongoing backing of Nigeria’s security efforts, including initiatives aimed at countering terrorism and promoting stability.

    The Ambassador also highlighted Beijing’s readiness to fast-track the implementation of zero-tariff access for Nigerian exports, a policy intended to boost trade volumes and open new avenues for economic collaboration.

    He said both countries are working to better align their development agendas, strengthen mutual trust, and expand cooperation in key sectors.

    President Tinubu welcomed the renewed assurances from China, acknowledging the country’s longstanding role in supporting Nigeria’s development aspirations.

    He expressed Nigeria’s commitment to further deepening engagement with China, particularly in areas that drive economic transformation, enhance security, and promote shared prosperity.

  • Chinese Ambassador Meets ECOWAS President, Reaffirms Beijing’s Support for West Africa

    Chinese Ambassador Meets ECOWAS President, Reaffirms Beijing’s Support for West Africa

    China has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with West Africa as Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Yu Dunhai, met with the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, in Abuja on Thursday.

    According to a statement from the Chinese embassy, the meeting underscored Beijing’s growing engagement with the regional bloc and outlined new avenues for partnership aimed at promoting development, stability, and integration across West Africa.

    Ambassador Yu praised ECOWAS for its pivotal role over the past 50 years, noting that the organisation has become a cornerstone for regional cooperation, peacekeeping, democratic governance, and economic integration.

    He described ECOWAS as one of Africa’s most impactful regional institutions, whose work aligns with the broader aspirations of the continent.

    Highlighting the depth of China–ECOWAS relations, Yu said the partnership stands as a notable example of South–South cooperation and a reflection of the longstanding friendship between China and African nations.

    He cited the ECOWAS headquarters building, constructed with Chinese support, as a visible symbol of the collaboration.

    Yu also referenced China’s current national development direction, noting that the Recommendations for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan reaffirm Beijing’s readiness to share development opportunities globally.

    As part of this agenda, he said China is prepared to accelerate zero-tariff measures for African countries, a policy expected to open new economic opportunities for the West African region.

    During the visit, the Ambassador presented a China-made official vehicle to President Touray, describing it as a gesture to support the Commission’s work.

    President Touray, in response, thanked China for its continued assistance in strengthening ECOWAS’ institutional capacity and development programmes.

    He commended China’s progress in various sectors and reiterated the bloc’s support for the four global initiatives proposed by Beijing.

    Touray affirmed ECOWAS’ readiness to deepen cooperation with China, expressing optimism that both sides are poised to “open a new chapter” in an already robust partnership.

  • An Open China for a Shared Future

    An Open China for a Shared Future

    By Yu Dunhai

    Not long ago, the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China was convened in Beijing. During the session, the document Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development was deliberated and adopted, charting the course for China’s development over the next five years.

    The plenum called for steadily expanding institutional opening-up, safeguarding the multilateral trading system, promoting broader international economic flows, and advancing reform and development through opening-up, thereby creating broader space for China and the world to share development opportunities.

    In early November, the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) was successfully held in Shanghai. As the first major economic and diplomatic event following the Fourth Plenary Session, this year’s CIIE not only demonstrated the vast potential of the Chinese market but also served as a platform for global partners, including Nigeria, to connect and collaborate.

    Nigeria participated in the Expo a Guest Country of Honor. During the event, the Hon.Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, attended and addressed the opening ceremony. Chinese Premier Li Qiang held a productive meeting with the Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and his delegation. Building on these high-level engagements, Nigeria’s presence was further highlighted at its national pavilion.

    Showcasing the country’s economic achievements, investment potential, and high-quality products, the Nigeria Pavilion attracted considerable attention from Chinese buyers and investment institutions. Nigerian businesses used this platform to gain direct access to China’s vast market and enhance their brand visibility through exchanges with international exhibitors. Key Nigerian exports—such as agricultural products, processed foods, and creative industry goods—continued to be well-received by Chinese consumers, injecting new vitality into bilateral economic and trade relations.

    This year, the CIIE upgraded its special exhibition zone for products from the world’s least developed countries, many of which are from Africa. This upgrade enabled enterprises and products from all 53 African countries that have diplomatic ties with China to fully benefit from zero-tariff treatment. More than 80 business associations from over 50 countries and regions participated as groups, underscoring the CIIE’s unique role in supporting global small and medium-sized enterprises. The Hongqiao International Economic Forum, held in tandem with the CIIE, focused for the first time on the themes of “economic resilience” and “sustainable agricultural development” in the Global South, further demonstrating China’s commitment to advancing hand in hand with developing countries.

    Over the past five years, China’s economy has maintained steady growth amid a complex international environment. By the end of 2025, China’s total economic output is expected to reach around 140 trillion yuan (approximately USD 19.4 trillion), contributing about 30% to global economic growth. China has continued to promote technological innovation and green transformation while further expanding opening up, creating new opportunities for global cooperation.

    Nigeria, as a major African economy with a young population and vast market potential, has seen its relations with China enter a fast track of development under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state. Bilateral trade has grown steadily, surpassing USD 20 billion in the first three quarters of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 32.56%. China has remained one of Nigeria’s top trading partners for many years. The two countries have achieved fruitful cooperation in energy, agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, and the digital economy, while also exploring new opportunities in green transformation and emerging industries.

    The year 2026 will mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria. China is ready to take this opportunity to deepen the alignment of development strategies with Nigeria, effectively connecting China’s 15th Five-Year Plan with Nigeria’s “Renewed Hope” Agenda, expand practical cooperation across multiple fields, and support Nigeria’s industrial and agricultural modernization.

    Today, the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century. China cannot be separated from the world in achieving development, and the world also needs China for prosperity. No matter how the international landscape evolves, China’s determination to expand high-level opening up will remain unchanged; its resolve to share development opportunities with the world will remain unchanged; and its commitment to promoting open, inclusive, balanced, and win-win economic globalization will remain unchanged.

    China will continue to advance high-level opening up, work together with Nigeria and other African countries to build a closer China-Africa community with a shared future, and jointly create a better future defined by openness, cooperation, and mutual benefit.

    Yu Dunhai is the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria

  • The Reunification of China is the Aspiration of the People and An Irresistible Historical Trend – On the Occasion of the Designation of Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration

    The Reunification of China is the Aspiration of the People and An Irresistible Historical Trend – On the Occasion of the Designation of Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration

     

    (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.

  • Actively Implementing the Global Governance Initiative, Jointly Building a China-Africa and China-Nigeria Community with a Shared Future

    Actively Implementing the Global Governance Initiative, Jointly Building a China-Africa and China-Nigeria Community with a Shared Future

    By Yu Dunhai, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria

    On September 1, 2025, President Xi Jinping solemnly proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus Meeting held in Tianjin, China. With its profound insight into the times, broad humanistic commitment and clear value orientation, this initiative aims to address a pressing subject of our times which has attracted high attention from the international community, namely what kind of global governance system to build and how to reform and improve global governance. It further contributes Chinese wisdom and proposes a Chinese approach to strengthening and improving global governance, injecting more stability and certainty into a turbulent world.

    Today, transformative changes unseen in a century are accelerating across the world, while the lingering gloom of Cold War mentality, hegemonism, and protectionism continues to cast a shadow. Humanity is confronted with unprecedented challenges as the world enters a new phase of turbulence and transformation, and global governance now stands at a critical juncture. The world is in greater need of strengthening global governance than ever before, and the GGI comes at an opportune time. Regarding it as the fundamental guideline to uphold the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter and practice the vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, the GGI seeks to promote the building of a more just and equitable global governance system and work together for a community with a shared future for humanity.

    To be more specific, the GGI embodies five core concepts: First, adhere to sovereign equality. All countries, regardless of size, strength or wealth, shall have the right to participate in, make decisions in and benefit from the global governance as equals. Second, abide by the international rule of law. There shall be no double standards, and the self-defined rules of a few countries must not be imposed upon others. Third, practice multilateralism.The irreplaceable and crucial role of the United Nations in global governance must be given full play. Fourth, advocate a people-centered approach. It is essential to ensure that people of all nations jointly participate in global governance and share in its outcomes. Fifth, focus on taking real actions. More tangible results should be delivered, and global governance should avoid lagging behind the times or becoming fragmented.

    The above five core concepts advocated by the GGI are closely aligned with the inherent needs of China-Africa and China-Nigeria cooperation. Africa, which includes 54 United Nations member states, is the continent with the largest concentration of developing countries. It is not only an important participant in global governance but also a major force driving global multi-polarization. Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country and major economy, serves as a critical growth engine on the continent and an influential representative of the Global South. It is also a key strategic partner for China in Africa. It is fair to say that China-Africa and China-Nigeria cooperation not only enjoy a solid historical foundation but also  correspond to practical needs of reforming the global governance system and transforming the global order.

    The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations, which represented a pioneering practice by the international community in initiating global governance. In 1971, African countries strongly supported the restoration of the lawful seat of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations, with Nigeria casting a sacred vote in favor. This moment marked the beginning of the joint participation of African nations and the People’s Republic of China in global governance. In 1992, China worked closely with the Group of 77, in which African countries served as a major force, ultimately leading to the incorporation of the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” into the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Since the 21st century, China has actively promoted solutions to address the under-representation of African countries in the United Nations, advocating that the Security Council reform must genuinely reflect international fairness and justice, prioritize correcting historical injustices faced by Africa, and support special arrangements to address Africa’s demands as a priority. In 2022, China took the lead in explicitly expressing support for the African Union’s accession to the G20 and facilitated the formal admission of the African Union as a member of the G20 the following year. The Beijing Declaration issued at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024 emphasized that China supports African countries in playing a greater influential role in global governance, particularly within inclusive frameworks addressing global issues, and will continue to support Africa-related priorities in G20 affairs. China also appreciated and welcomed more African countries joining the BRICS family. Shortly thereafter, Nigeria, with China’s active support, became a BRICS partner country. China firmly supports Africa’s efforts to enhance its international standing and voice, fully demonstrating the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, and profoundly illustrating China’s role as a major country in promoting the improvement of global governance.

    The year 2025 also marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the FOCAC. The FOCAC mechanism itself is a model of the vision of the global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit. Guided by the principles of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith towards Africa and the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests, China is committed to supporting Africa in advancing its integration and enhancing its capacity for self-driven development. From the “Ten Cooperation Plans” and the “Eight Major Initiatives” to the “Nine Programs” and the recently launched “Ten Partnership Actions for China-Africa Collaboration on Modernization,” a series of practical cooperation plans have focused on Africa’s priority areas such as infrastructure connectivity, healthcare, agricultural modernization, and capacity building. This cooperation comes with no political strings attached, emphasizes action-oriented approaches and aims to enhance the “self-development capacity” of African countries, representing a tangible contribution to building a more just and equitable global governance system. On September 3, 2024, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid a state visit to China and attended the FOCAC Beijing Summit. The leaders of the two countries jointly announced the elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership and were committed to building a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future. Over the past year, China-Nigeria relations have achieved rapid growth across all sectors. We have more frequent high-level exchanges, deeper political and strategic trust as well as increasingly substantial outcomes in practical cooperation. We have supported each other on issues concerning our respective core interests and major concerns, while maintaining sound communication and coordination in international and regional affairs under a results-oriented approach. We can proudly say that China and Nigeria are setting an exemplary model for South-South cooperation.

    In conclusion, Chinese president Xi Jinping has proposed four major initiatives to date: the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), and the Global Governance Initiative (GGI). Together, these initiatives form the four pillars for building a community with a shared future for mankind. The GDI focuses on promoting international cooperation on development, the GSI on encouraging dialogue and consultation over international discord, the GCI on promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, and the GGI on the direction, principle and path for reforming the global governance systems and institutions. The four initiatives have their respective priorities and can be pursued simultaneously. They will each be a source of positive energy for a changing and turbulent world and impetus for humanity’s development and progress.

    China is willing to work with African countries, including Nigeria, under the framework of the GGI to promote reforms in the UN Security Council and the international financial system, to make the existing international system and international institutions better at taking actions and working effectively, to step up coordination among multilateral bodies, and to prioritize consensus-building in such areas as the international financial architecture, artificial intelligence, cyberspace, climate change, trade and outer space to bring about early harvests.

    The successful practices of China-Africa and China-Nigeria cooperation demonstrate that the GGI embodies strong vitality and broad prospects for development. Moving forward, China will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with African countries, especially our Nigerian friends, to actively advance the GGI, jointly address global challenges and work toward building a community with a shared future for mankind.