A non-governmental organization, SINOAFRIK Media Documentation and Development Network, has cautioned against the mischaracterization of a recent visit by Andy Liu, Head of the Taipei Trade Office in Nigeria, to First Lady Remi Tinubu as a diplomatic engagement.
In a statement issued Monday by its Executive Director, Austin Maho, the group said portraying the visit as official diplomatic interaction misrepresents Nigeria’s foreign policy, which adheres strictly to the One-China Principle.
SINOAFRIK emphasized that Taiwan is an inseparable part of the People’s Republic of China and that the Taipei Trade Office in Lagos operates solely as a non-diplomatic entity. It reiterated that Nigeria does not recognize the so-called “Taiwanese government,” in line with its foreign policy since 1971.
“Any implication of bilateral collaboration with such an entity contradicts Nigeria’s long-established foreign policy, grounded in respect for the One-China Principle,” the statement noted.
Referencing United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, the 1943 Cairo Declaration, and the 1945 Potsdam Proclamation, SINOAFRIK reinforced that only the People’s Republic of China is recognized as the legitimate government of China.
The organization also recalled that during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing, Nigeria and China upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, during which Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to the One-China Principle and its opposition to any notion of Taiwan independence.
Highlighting China’s contributions to Nigeria’s development—particularly in infrastructure, agriculture, technology, and trade—SINOAFRIK noted that China remains Nigeria’s second-largest trading partner in Africa, with annual trade volumes surpassing $20 billion.
The NGO urged Nigerian media outlets and the public to refrain from using terms like “Taiwanese Ambassador,” “Taiwanese government,” or “Embassy of Taiwan in Nigeria,” saying such labels imply recognition of “two Chinas,” which contradicts Nigeria’s foreign policy stance.
“The media must uphold objectivity, fairness, and accuracy in their reporting,” the statement concluded.
