Taiwan part of China’s territory since ancient times – envoy

Dong Hairong, Counsellor, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, on Thursday, said Taiwan has been part of China’s territory since ancient times, rubbishing narratives promoting the independence of Taiwan. While speaking at a Media Salon on the One-China Principle in Abuja with the theme “Understanding the One-China Principle and Its Role in […]

Dong Hairong, Counsellor, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, on Thursday, said Taiwan has been part of China’s territory since ancient times, rubbishing narratives promoting the independence of Taiwan.

While speaking at a Media Salon on the One-China Principle in Abuja with the theme “Understanding the One-China Principle and Its Role in Deepening China–Nigeria Strategic Relations”, she insisted that Taiwan has belonged to China since time immemorial, with clear historical context and solid legal basis.

“A wealth of historical records and documents chronicle the early development of Taiwan by the Chinese people. As early as the 12th century, the Chinese government set up administrative institutions in Taiwan and exercised jurisdiction over the region.

“In 1895, Japan seized Taiwan through war. In 1943, toward the end of World War II, China, the United States and Britain issued the Cairo Declaration, stipulating that Taiwan, stolen by Japan, should be returned to China.

“In 1945, China, the United States, Britain and the Soviet Union released the Potsdam Proclamation, which affirmed that the provisions of the Cairo Declaration must be implemented.

“In August the same year, Japan accepted the Potsdam Proclamation, and signed the Instrument of Surrender the following month, undertaking to faithfully fulfil all provisions of the Potsdam Proclamation. Taiwan thus returned to the territory of China. This series of internationally legally binding documents confirms both legally and factually China’s recovery of Taiwan,” Hairong said.

The envoy also said, the 26th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758 in October 1971, which stipulates, “To restore all rights of the People’s Republic of China and to recognize the representatives of its Government as the only legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations, and to expel forthwith the representatives of Chiang Kai-shek from the place which they unlawfully occupy at the United Nations and in all the organizations related to it.”

According to her, this resolution has explicitly established politically, legally and procedurally that there is only one seat for China in the United Nations, leaving no room for “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan”.

She said, since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Nigeria in 1971, Nigeria had always upholded the one-China principle and opposed “Taiwan independence” on multiple occasions in the joint communiqué on diplomatic establishment and bilateral joint statements.

On his part, Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, the Provost, Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria and Head of Contemporary China-Africa Research, described the recent visit of Taiwanese leader, Lai Ching Te, to Eswatini as trepidatory in nature, abnormal in diplomatic practice and erratic in international relations.

He said African nations have consistently stood with China on issues concerning its sovereignty and territorial integrity, adding that their support is rooted not only in diplomatic alignment but also in a shared understanding of the importance of national unity and resistance to external interference.

“Many African states, having themselves experienced colonial fragmentation and external manipulation, understand deeply the significance of safeguarding a nation’s territorial integrity.

“As of May 2026, 53 out of 54 African nations adhere to the One-China policy, recognising Taiwan as an inalienable part of China. Eswatini is the sole African nation maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan,” he said.