Nigeria’s foreign policy is neither accidental nor negotiable. It is deliberate, historically grounded, and firmly aligned with global diplomatic consensus. At its core lies the One-China Principle, a position that recognises the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing all of China, and affirms without ambiguity that Taiwan is an inseparable part of that sovereign entity.
It is, therefore, deeply troubling and frankly unacceptable that a group of Nigerian journalists recently embarked on a visit to Taipei, engaging officials in a manner that risks distorting Nigeria’s long-established diplomatic stance.
This is not a trivial matter of professional exchange. It is a serious misjudgment with implications for Nigeria’s international credibility.
In October 1971, the global community spoke with clarity at the United Nations General Assembly during its 26th Session by adopting United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. With 76 countries voting in favour, 35 against, and 17 abstaining, the resolution recognised the People’s Republic of China as the only lawful representative of China at the United Nations, replacing the previous arrangement.
That moment was not symbolic; it was definitive. It erased any lingering ambiguity and laid the foundation for what is now universally acknowledged as the One-China Principle. It rejected outright the notion of “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan.” More than five decades later, that principle remains a cornerstone of international diplomacy and legal consensus.
Against this backdrop, any action, including journalistic engagements that suggest recognition of Taiwan as a separate country, is a direct violation of Nigeria’s official policy. It is not merely inaccurate; it is diplomatically reckless.
The statements attributed to Lin Chia-lung during the visit further expose the underlying agenda. His call for Nigeria to “foster an enabling environment” for deeper engagement with Taiwan, including relocating the Taiwan Representative Office back to Abuja, must be firmly rejected.
Let it be stated unequivocally that the so-called Taipei Trade Office in Lagos is not a diplomatic mission. It is a commercial entity, nothing more. Its presence in Lagos reflects Nigeria’s carefully calibrated position that any engagement with Taiwan must remain strictly within the confines of trade and commerce, devoid of political recognition.
Nigeria made this clear in 2017 when it relocated the office from Abuja to Lagos. That decision was not arbitrary; it was a deliberate reaffirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China Principle and a necessary step to protect the integrity of its foreign policy.
To suggest otherwise, as implied in the Taipei meeting, is to ignore both diplomatic reality and Nigeria’s sovereign choices. It is also to underestimate the strategic weight of Nigeria’s relationship with China.
In 2025, bilateral trade between Nigeria and China exceeded $22.3 billion between January and October alone, representing a remarkable 30.2 per cent year-on-year increase. By year’s end, China’s exports to Nigeria had reached an unprecedented $24.9 billion, driven by strong demand for machinery, electronics, and industrial inputs.
In contrast, Nigeria’s trade with Taiwan remains marginal, at approximately $400 million. This is not a close comparison. It is an overwhelming disparity that shows where Nigeria’s true economic interests lie.
Beyond trade, China has proven to be a dependable partner in Nigeria’s development journey, supporting infrastructure projects, advancing agricultural productivity, facilitating technology transfer, and contributing to human capital development. These are tangible benefits that directly impact national growth and prosperity.
There is, therefore, no economic, strategic, or diplomatic justification for elevating engagement with Taiwan beyond its current limited scope. Any attempt to do so would not only be illogical but also detrimental, introducing unnecessary friction into a relationship that is vital to Nigeria’s future.
Journalists are not mere observers; they are influential actors in shaping narratives that can either reinforce or undermine national policy. With that influence comes responsibility, the responsibility to be accurate, informed, and aligned with the broader national interest.
Referring to Taiwan as a “country” is not a harmless error. It is a fundamental misrepresentation that contradicts Nigeria’s official position and risks sending the wrong signals internationally.
Professional curiosity must not override diplomatic sensitivity. Engagement must not translate into endorsement. And reportage must never stray into territory that compromises national policy. Nigeria’s position is clear, consistent, and non-negotiable: there is only one China, and Taiwan is an integral part of it.
Any deviation from this stance, whether by state actors or non-state actors, must be firmly resisted. Anything less would not only be irresponsible; it would be a disservice to Nigeria’s sovereignty, its strategic partnerships, and its standing in the global community.
Michael Onjewu is an Abuja-based journalist
