By Tony Obiechina Abuja
The People’s Republic of China on Thursday frowned at Taiwanese stance on One-China principle calling it a threat to its sovereignty.
Chief, Political Section of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhu Songbo, stated this in his presentation at the Media Salon on the One-China Principle as the Bedrock of China-Nigeria Relations, held in Abuja.
Songbo noted that under the one-China principle, Taiwan was an inalienable part of China’s territory, and the government of the People’s Republic of China was the only legitimate government representing all of China.
The envoy said the application of the one-China principle was universal, unconditional, and unquestionable, adding that all countries that have diplomatic relations with China and all member states of the United Nations must unconditionally adhere to the one-China principle.
Speaking of Nigeria’s handling of Taiwan issue, Songbo said “We hope that Nigeria will continue to uphold this principle and support China’s efforts to achieve national reunification.”
Songbo advised journalists against writing reports that suggests Taiwan’s independence or sovereignty, and stick to the principles of objectivity when reporting on China and the Taiwan question.
In his presentation at the event, the Director of Centre for China Studies, Mr Charles Onunaiju reaffirmed Nigeria’s Position of One-China principle as non- negotiable given Nigeria’s
recognition of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing all of China.
He said the Chinese and Taiwanese were, in fact, one people sharing a common history and cultural heritage.
He noted that the Taiwan Trade Office in Lagos can neither be labeled as an embassy nor a mission arguing that its primary purpose was to promote economic and commercial ties between Taiwan and Nigeria.
Onunaiju, however acknowledged the fact that the activities of the Taipei Trade Office had been known to undermine Nigeria’s adherence to the One-China principle, which could potentially dent bilateral relations between Nigeria and China.
“Ultimately, Taiwan’s eventual return to China is an inseparable part of history, as the island has been an integral part of Chinese territory since ancient times, and reunification is seen as a necessary step towards realizing the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”, he stated.
At the occasion, a senior lecturer at the International Institute of Journalism( IIJ), Dr. Austin Maho, in his presentation on the role of the Nigerian media in reporting the Taiwan question, said the media play crucial role in shaping society and public perception, and as such, journalists should exercise caution and responsibility in their reportage, especially, on issues, such as the Taiwan question.
Maho, who is slso a newspaper publisher, posited that China considered “Taiwan independence” as a red line that should not be crossed, and media practitioners should take cognizance of this in their reportage.
“To provide accurate and balanced coverage, journalists should thoroughly understand the issues between Nigeria and China, avoiding references to Taiwan as a ‘country’ or calling for enhanced collaboration between Nigeria and Taiwan”, Dr Maho said.
“Media professionals should also be wary of Andy Ping Liu, representative of the Taiwan trade mission in Nigeria, who may attempt to promote Taiwan independence. “Vigilance is key among media professionals to ensure that their reporting does not inadvertently undermine the One-China principle or promote secessionist agendas.”
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Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Abuja, Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim in his presentation said no country will allow secessionist groups to undermine its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and China was no exception in its stance against Taiwan independence.
Ibrahim, who is the Director of Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research, said the United Nations Resolution 2758 of 1971 recognised the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the only legal representative of China, with Taiwan considered an integral part of it, a position reinforced by several other laws and frameworks that support the One-China policy, including anti-secession laws.
