The Nation Newspaper

Tag: china

  • Security: China pledges support for Nigeria’s leadership role in ECOWAS, fight against terrorism

    Security: China pledges support for Nigeria’s leadership role in ECOWAS, fight against terrorism

    In a significant boost to Nigeria’s regional influence, China has promised to support the country in playing a leading role in ECOWAS affairs, particularly in the fight against terrorism.

    According to a joint statement issued by both nations, China commended Nigeria’s efforts in bringing stability to the region and pledged to support its leadership role in managing differences and combating terrorism.

    The joint statement was made on Tuesday after a meeting of leaders of both countries; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China, in Beijing.

    President Tinubu is in China on the invitation of President Xi for a state visit, which will be followed by the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

    The joint statement detailed the critical components of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership achieved through several agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) signed by both nations during the meeting on Tuesday.

    Among other things, both countries agreed to strengthen coordination and cooperation in multilateral affairs, upholding the international system with the United Nations at its core, and promoting a multi-polar world with inclusive economic globalization.

    China also offered to support Nigeria’s capacity building, including upgrading its military equipment and intelligence-gathering expertise, to effectively respond to security challenges at home, regionally, and internationally.

    The joint statement emphasized the commitment of both nations to safeguarding peace, security, and stability in the region, including the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea.

    Read Also: ECOWAS commits $12.6m to assist victims of terrorism, disaster in 2024

    Additionally, China and Nigeria agreed to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between security agencies to enhance their capacity to protect national sovereignty and security interests and maintain regional and global peace.

    “The two sides agreed to strengthen coordination and cooperation in multilateral affairs and jointly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order underpinned by international law and the basic norms governing international relations guided by the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.

    “The two sides advocate an equal and orderly multi-polar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation and jointly uphold peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, the common values of humanity, and commit to a new approach to international relations focusing on win-win cooperation.

    “China commends Nigeria’s leading role in ECOWAS and its efforts towards bringing stability to the region, it supports Nigeria to play a strong leading role in the regional affairs including the fight against terrorism and managing differences. The two sides agreed to stay committed to safeguarding peace, security, and stability in the region, including the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea.

    “China supports Nigeria in its capacity building, such as upgrading its science and technology for its military equipment and intelligence gathering expertise, to respond more effectively to traditional and non-traditional security challenges at home and abroad, as well as at the regional and international levels.

    “The two sides are willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between security agencies to enhance their capacity to safeguard national sovereignty and security interests and make joint efforts to maintain regional and world peace.”

  • China opens market to Nigerian products, boosts trade cooperation

    China opens market to Nigerian products, boosts trade cooperation

    In a significant boost to Nigeria’s economy, China has expressed readiness to allow the importation of Nigerian products of good quality into its market.

    According to a joint statement by both nations, China welcomes Nigeria to expand trade between the two countries through various platforms, including the China International Import Expo, China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, and the China Import and Export Fair.

    The joint statement was after a meeting of leaders of both countries; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China, in Beijing. 

    President Tinubu is in China on the invitation of President Xi for a state visit, which will be followed with the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). 

    The joint statement detailed the critical components of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership achieved through a number of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) signed by both nations during the meeting on Tuesday. 

    China supports the import of more quality products from Nigeria into its market, a move expected to increase Nigeria’s exports and boost its economy.

    Nigeria, in turn, has expressed willingness to strengthen its partnership with China in the development of energy and mineral resources, and to work with Chinese companies to set up plants in Nigeria to meet local consumption and export needs.

    Read Also: Nigeria, China pledge to protect citizens, deepen sub-national cooperation

    Both countries have also agreed to deepen cooperation in areas such as digital economy, green development, blue economy, and agricultural modernization, and to foster new growth drivers in cooperation.

    Also, Nigeria has welcomed China’s Global Initiative for Artificial Intelligence Governance and Global Initiative on Data Security, appreciating China’s efforts in promoting the rights of developing countries in artificial intelligence, network, data, and other fields.

    “Guided by the Cooperation Plan between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Jointly Promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, both countries remain committed to advancing high-level cooperation of the Belt and Road Initiative and FOCAC Conference outcomes with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Eight Priority Agenda of the Nigerian Government to jointly promote high-level practical cooperation across board.

    “China welcomes Nigeria to expand trade between the two countries through platforms such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) and the China Import and Export Fair (the Canton Fair), Lagos and Abuja International Trade Fairs, the Annual Nigerian Mining Week and through new channels such as e-commerce and overseas warehouses in China. China supports the import of more quality products from Nigeria into its market. 

    “Nigeria is willing to strengthen its partnership with China in the development of energy and mineral resources and to work with Chinese companies to set up plants in Nigeria to meet local consumption and export needs. China will encourage more competent Chinese companies to invest in Nigeria to contribute to the diversified and dynamic development of Nigeria’s economy.

    “The two countries will seize the opportunities of developing productive capacity, further deepen overall reform, jointly explore cooperation in areas such as digital economy, green development, blue economy and agricultural modernisation, and foster new growth drivers in cooperation. 

    “Nigeria welcomes the Global Initiative for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance and Global Initiative on Data Security proposed by the Chinese side and appreciates China’s efforts in promoting the rights of developing countries in artificial intelligence, network, data and other fields”.

  • Nigeria, China pledge to protect citizens, deepen sub-national cooperation

    Nigeria, China pledge to protect citizens, deepen sub-national cooperation

    Nigeria and China have committed to protecting the rights of each other’s citizens while on their respective territories, in a bid to strengthen bilateral relations.

    According to a joint statement by both nations, the commitment aims to create a favorable business environment for companies from both countries.

    The joint statement was after a meeting of leaders of both countries; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China, in Beijing. 

    Tinubu is in China on the invitation of President Xi for a state visit, which will be followed with the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). 

    The joint statement detailed the critical components of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership achieved through a number of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) signed by both nations during the meeting on Tuesday.

    In addition to protecting citizens’ rights, both countries have expressed support for the establishment of more friendly relations between Nigerian and Chinese provinces and states, as well as municipalities. 

    Read Also: Nigeria, China sign five landmark agreements in Beijing

    This move is expected to expand and deepen cooperation at the sub-national level.

    The joint statement also highlighted the commitment of both nations to support the World Trade Organization (WTO) focused multilateral trading system, oppose trade protectionism, and promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation.

    Both countries have also pledged to create a transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for cooperation, signaling a new era of economic collaboration and people-to-people exchanges between Nigeria and China.

    “The two sides are committed to supporting the WTO focused multilateral trading system, oppose trade protectionism, promote trade and investment liberalisation and facilitation, create a transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for cooperation between the two countries. 

    “The two sides further support the establishment of more friendly relations between Chinese and Nigerian provinces/states and municipalities with a view to expand and deepen cooperation at the sub-national level.

    “The two sides are committed to stepping up protection of lawful rights and interests of each other’s citizens on their territories and create a favourable business environment for each other’s companies”, the joint statement said.

  • Nigeria, China sign five landmark agreements in Beijing

    Nigeria, China sign five landmark agreements in Beijing

    … As Tinubu, Xi meet to elevate bi-national ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership

    Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China on Tuesday, September 3, signed five significant agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between the two nations.

    The agreements were signed in Beijing, China, and witnessed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.

    Meanwhile, President Tinubu and Chinese President Xi, have announced the elevation of Nigeria-China ties to that of a comprehensive strategic partnership.

    The leaders also agreed to build a high-level Nigeria-China community with a shared future.

    This was the outcome of talks between the two leaders during President Tinubu’s official visit to China. 

    Updates on President Tinubu’s visit to the People’s Republic of China were made available to journalists at the State House in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

    President Tinubu’s official visit precedes his participation in the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, scheduled to hold from September 4-6, 2024.

    President Tinubu, however, emphasized the need for the Nigeria-China comprehensive strategic partnership to translate into robust development, stability, and security in the West African sub-region.

    ”This is an important visit for Nigeria and the rest of Africa, as I arrive in my capacity as the Chairman of ECOWAS. I thank you for the high-level of honour accorded to us.

    ”Relations between China and Nigeria have indeed lasted for over half a century and should be further strengthened to advance our trade and economic development programmes.

    ”Nigeria holds great potential as the country with the largest population in Africa and is the biggest economy with a very young population that can drive economic growth and cross-sectoral programmes.

    ”We have upgraded the relationship to more than what is just strategic — but a comprehensive developmental partnership.

    ”This comprehensive strategic partnership should result in robust development, stability, and security in the West African sub-region. This is very crucial,” President Tinubu said.

    On economic reforms in Nigeria, President Tinubu told his Chinese counterpart that his administration remains committed to sustainable growth through the effective implementation of ongoing economic reforms.

    ”We believe that President Xi has demonstrably reformed the Chinese economy, and our reform programme in Nigeria is on a similar course. I am a reformer with verifiable antecedents.

    ”We have recognized the need to reform our economy, and we are doing so diligently across tax and tariff reviews, to various other segments of our nation’s economy.

    ”Trading and investment partners will have easy access to bring in their investments and seamlessly take their resources out,” the President stated.

    In his remarks, President Xi noted the strong mutual understanding between Nigeria and China since the establishment of diplomatic ties over the past 50 years.

    ”We have found the path of seeking collective strength, through unity, and win-win cooperation.

    ”China and Nigeria, as major developing countries, strengthening strategic coordination, will inject fresh impetus to China-Africa relations in the new era and spearhead common progress among Global South countries,” President Xi said.

    According to the Chinese leader, the 2024 FOCAC Summit provides an opportunity to reflect on mutual friendships and advance the consolidation of China-Africa relations.

    He pledged that China and Nigeria would continue to work closely within the FOCAC framework as a model of cooperation between nations.

    During the meeting, both presidents witnessed the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) on various areas of mutual interest:

    (1) Cooperation plan between Nigeria and China on jointly promoting the Belt and Road Initiative

    (2) Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the peaceful application of Nuclear Energy

    (3) Memorandum of Understanding on strengthening cooperation on Human Resource Development under the Global Development Initiative

    (4) Memorandum of Understanding on Media Exchange and Cooperation.

    Read Also: Tinubu approves establishment of youth house in Abuja

    (5) Memorandum of Understanding between China Media Group and the Nigerian Television Authority

    Earlier, on Monday in Beijing, President Tinubu visited the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), during which he acknowledged the company’s role as a reliable partner in Nigeria’s infrastructure development programme, commending its ongoing railway projects in the country.

    ”It is equally very important that we give assurances to the Nigerian people across our local communities that the Ibadan-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano railway segments will be completed and done to the satisfaction of Nigeria and West Africa at large.

    ”We will support your investment in solid minerals and other ventures in Nigeria. I am here to assure you that Nigeria is ready to do business with you,” the President said during a meeting with the Chairman of CRCC, Mr. Dai Hegen, following a tour of the CRCC and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) office in Beijing.

    Mr. Hegen informed the President that CRCC has been involved in Nigeria for 43 years, implementing over 300 projects and training over 100,000 local workers.

    ”The Abuja-Kaduna Railway and Lagos-Ibadan Railway have transported approximately 9 million passengers and 180 tonnes of cargo. The Lagos blue line has transported over 1.6 million passengers,” he said.

    In a separate engagement, President Tinubu visited Huawei Technologies’ Beijing Research Centre, where the company announced the launch of DigiTruck, a mobile ICT classroom aimed at enhancing digital literacy in underserved Nigerian communities.

    During the President’s meeting with Huawei’s leadership, led by Mr. Liang Hua, Chairman of the Board of Directors, the company said the initiative would operate in 10 states annually, training at least 3,000 students each year.

    Acknowledging the ongoing efforts by Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to train 3 million technical talents (3MTT) and equip the country’s young population with the skills necessary for present and future economic opportunities, Huawei’s leadership said the DigiTruck initiative will complement the programme.

    Mr. Hua praised the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda for identifying digital technology as a critical driver of economic growth.

    “This is very encouraging for us. Huawei is fully prepared to offer its ICT expertise and become a reliable partner of the Nigerian government to support the country in achieving its policy objectives and furthering its digital, intelligent, and low-carbon development.”

    Also speaking, Mr. Chris Lu, Chief Executive Officer of Huawei Nigeria, expressed support for Nigeria’s National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), an initiative that seeks to position Nigeria as a hub for talent outsourcing in Africa.

    “In the future, we hope to continuously develop the NOC and expand its capacity so that it can meet the requirements of more African markets, thus facilitating more Nigerian technology talents in serving more overseas’ markets and helping to achieve the goal of NATEP,” Mr. Lu said

    During the tour of the Huawei Research Centre’s exhibition hall, President Tinubu and his delegation were introduced to Huawei’s latest innovations in e-government, smart education, smart grid, and solar power, demonstrating their potential to enhance public services, digital governance, and Nigeria’s inclusive development agenda.

    As part of the efforts to achieve the aforementioned goals, Huawei also plans to establish a joint PV test lab with Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

  • Nigeria’s foreign debt and China’s globalization strategy

    Nigeria’s foreign debt and China’s globalization strategy

    SIR: It seemed almost like a scene from a Netflix comedy when the federal government, through its Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, accused the Chinese company Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited of deception after a French court authorized the seizure of three Nigerian presidential jets. Two of these jets were undergoing routine maintenance, and the third had been purchased but not yet delivered. The government disputes the legitimacy of Zhongshan’s claim against Ogun State, arguing that the 2007 contract with the state government concerning a free-trade zone management does not involve the federal government; that the dispute had already been resolved in Nigerian courts; that the company failed to properly notify the federal and state governments; and that Zhongshan withheld crucial information and misled the French court into wrongly seizing the jets, which are protected by diplomatic immunity as sovereign assets.

    The government’s comparison of this situation to the PI&D case and its argument that Zhongshan’s claim is part of a broader strategy by foreign entities to defraud Nigeria is sceptical particularly given the ongoing trade war between China and the West.

    By capitalizing on globalization and leveraging technological transfers from 20-30 years ago, China has emerged as a major competitor to the U.S. and now dominates much of the world’s production. However, China’s financing of African projects, which often includes conditions for asset forfeiture, is increasingly viewed as undermining Africa’s economic growth and development, even though these projects contribute to the continent’s structural transformation. The strategy of asset seizure might re-echo China’s tactics in recovering debts from African nations, where several strategic assets, such as the Mombasa Port in Kenya and the Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka, have been lost due to debt repayment conditions.

    Read Also: 2024 China-Africa forum holds brightest opportunity for African nations, says udeogaranya

    The seizure of Nigeria’s presidential jets in France could be seen as part of a broader strategy where foreign entities, akin to China, use questionable legal tactics to seize strategic assets in exchange for debt repayment. Nigeria is likely to continue facing such challenges, with foreign entities attempting to claim its assets both overseas and onshore. This concern is highlighted by the recent dismissal of Nigeria’s sovereign immunity claim by a U.S. court in favour of a $70 million award to a Chinese firm, the ongoing PI&D case in the UK, the current $5.16 billion debt owed to China as of the second half of last year, and the caution issued to sub-national entities, such as state governments, by the Minister of Foreign Affairs against engaging in foreign negotiations without proper oversight. The clear lesson is that if Nigeria continues to spend irresponsibly while in debt, it will remain vulnerable to losing strategic assets to foreign creditors.

    Governance and infrastructure issues, rather than a lack of human capital, are the underlying reasons why Nigerian presidential jets are maintained or purchased abroad. At a time when international security risks and espionage are of growing concern, particularly between China and the West, Nigeria’s decision to have its presidential jets maintained or purchased abroad, while describing them as sovereign assets, appears questionable. This contrasts with the practices of leaders from major countries, who use vehicles made in their own nations, such as the U.S. President’s Cadillac One or the UK Prime Minister’s Jaguar XJ Sentinel.

    Nigeria needs to understand that the countries that produce are the ones that lend, emphasizing the need to invest in infrastructure to become a producing nation.

    • ESV. Adeyemi Adebiyi, adebiyiadeyemi@outlook.com  
  • China, Nigeria poised to drive global modernization, says Yuqing

    China, Nigeria poised to drive global modernization, says Yuqing

    The Chinese Consul General in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing, has expressed confidence that China and Nigeria would make greater contributions to the world on the road to peaceful development of modernization.

    Yuqing stated that China and Nigeria would work together to deepen, expand exchanges and cooperation in various fields, adding that the two countries would make new and greater contributions to the building of a high-level community with a shared future for Africa and for mankind.

    The Chinese Consul General made this known in a paper tittled “Future deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization building a high-level China-Africa and China-Nigeria community with a shared future” delivered recently. 

    She said: “In the communique of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, reform and opening up, development, people and Chinese modernization have once again become high-frequency hot words. Through these words, the international community can see that China is gathering its strength to forge ahead steadily, pioneering and innovative, open and confident. It is more optimistic about the huge potential of China’s economic and social development, and hopes that China’s high-quality development will bring more opportunities to the world.

    “This plenary session demonstrates China’s firm conviction to carry out reform and opening-up in the new era to the end. The reform theme of this plenary session is clear, It was stated in the Resolution that to further deepening reform comprehensively, we must implement 6 principles of upholding the Party’s overall leadership, taking a people-centered approach, upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground, taking institution building as our main task, exercising law-based governance on all fronts, and applying systems thinking. 

    “This plenary session has proposed extensive and comprehensive reform measures. It was stated in the Resolution that more than 300 important reform measures at the system , mechanism and institutional levels have been proposed, covering the improvement and upgrading of past reform measures, as well as exploring new reform measures based on practical needs and pilot projects. 

    “The reform theme of this plenary session has been prominently emphasized. It was stated in the Resolution that  we will focus on building a high-standard socialist market economy, advancing whole-process people’s democracy, developing a strong socialist culture in China, raising the people’s quality of life, building a Beautiful China, advancing the Peaceful China Initiative to a higher level, and improving the Party’s capacity for leadership and long-term governance. The Seven Focuses on have made comprehensive arrangements for reforms in the economic and livelihood fields.”

    Yuqing added: “We must remain committed to the basic state policy of opening to the outside world and continue to promote reform through opening up. Leveraging the strength of China’s enormous market, we will enhance our capacity for opening up while expanding cooperation with other countries and develop new institutions for a higher-standard open economy. 

    “We will steadily expand institutional opening up, deepen the foreign trade structural reform, further reform the management systems for inward and outward investment, improve planning for regional opening up, and refine the mechanisms for high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

    “Nigeria serves as a pilot nation for the Belt and Road cooperation between China and Africa, and is a steadfast partner in the Belt and Road collaboration. In October last year, Vice President Shettima went to China to attend the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and met with President Xi Jinping, and the two sides had in-depth exchanges on building China-Nigeria relations in the new era and high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road, and reached a series of important results and consensus. 

    Read Also: China, Philippines announce deal to stop clashes in South China Sea

    “The major projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, including the Lekki Deepsea Port and the Lagos-Ibadan Railway, have greatly benefited local economic and social development. China is ready to continue to work with the Nigerian side to promote more tangible results in China-Nigeria and China-Africa cooperation in building the Belt and Road, and to help Nigeria and Africa achieve industrialization and agricultural modernization.

    She noted: “Chinese modernization is the modernization of peaceful development. In foreign relations, China remains firmly committed to pursuing an independent foreign policy of peace and is dedicated to promoting a human community with a shared future. Holding dear humanity’s shared values, we will pursue the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, as well as the Global Civilization Initiative and call for an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. 

    “We will deepen institutional reforms related to the work of foreign affairs and participate in efforts to lead the reform and development of the global governance system. We will resolutely safeguard China’s sovereignty, security, and development interests.”

  • China, Philippines announce deal to stop clashes in South China Sea

    China, Philippines announce deal to stop clashes in South China Sea

    China and the Philippines reached a deal they hope will end confrontations at the most fiercely disputed shoal in the South China Sea, the Philippine government said Sunday.

    The Philippines occupies Second Thomas Shoal but China also claims it, and increasingly hostile clashes at sea have sparked fears of larger conflicts that could involve the United States.

    The crucial deal was reached Sunday, after a series of meetings between Philippine and Chinese diplomats in Manila and exchanges of diplomatic notes that aimed to establish a mutually acceptable arrangement at the shoal, which Filipinos call Ayungin and the Chinese call Ren’ai Jiao, without conceding either side’s territorial claims.

    Read Also: GM food controversy: Health Minister summons NAFDAC, NBMA bosses

    Two Philippine officials, who had knowledge of the negotiations, confirmed the deal to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity and the government later issued a brief statement announcing the deal without providing details.

    “Both sides continue to recognize the need to deescalate the situation in the South China Sea and manage differences through dialogue and consultation and agree that the agreement will not prejudice each other’s positions in the South China Sea,” the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said.

    China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced shortly after midnight Sunday that they discussed with the Philippines “managing the situation at Ren’ai Jiao and reached provisional arrangement with the Philippines on humanitarian resupply of living necessities.”

  • China willing to work with Nigeria on global initiatives, says YAN Yuqing

    China willing to work with Nigeria on global initiatives, says YAN Yuqing

    Ms. Yan Yuqing, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, has expressed China’s readiness to collaborate with Nigeria on implementing the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping.

    In her speech, “From the Implementation of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind,” marking the 70th anniversary of these five principles, Yuqing emphasised the enduring significance of peaceful coexistence.

    She highlighted the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing in September, which will outline the future of building a community with a shared future for China and Africa.

    Yuqing noted that over the past 70 years, the five principles of peaceful coexistence have transcended time and space, overcoming estrangement and demonstrating robust resilience and everlasting relevance.

    Yuqing said: “They have become open, inclusive, and universally applicable basic norms for international relations and fundamental principles of international law. They have made indelible historic contributions to the cause of human progress.

    Read Also: China seizes 4.5 tonnes of drugs in border anti-narcotics enforcement

    “The implementation of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence is an ongoing process. So is the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. China stands ready to work with all countries, including Nigeria, through greater unity, cooperation, communication and understanding to meet global challenges and build a beautiful world together”, said the Consul General.

    She added: “We need to cement the foundation of friendship and cooperation with mutual respect. China is the largest developing country in the world, and Nigeria is Africa’s leading economy and most populous country. Both countries need to find their place and play their role in the multipolar system.

    “We need to promote a wave of development and prosperity with opening up and cooperation. China advocates and promotes a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, enabling the people of China and Nigeria to share in the fruits of development together. Nigeria has become China’s largest engineering contracting market in Africa, the third-largest trading partner, and a major destination for Chinese investment.

    “We need to open up new vistas for human civilization with inclusiveness and mutual learning. Both China and Nigeria are nations with long histories and splendid civilizations. The Chinese Film Festivals are successfully held annually in Nigeria. Since the beginning of this year, the Chinese Consulate-General in Lagos has initiated the Lagos Forum series of academic activities, deepening academic exchanges and strengthening mutual understanding and trust between Chinese and Nigerian scholars.

    “We need to steer the future of global governance with fairness and justice. China and Nigeria need to strengthen coordination and cooperation in multilateral affairs and jointly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law.”

  • China seizes 4.5 tonnes of drugs in border anti-narcotics enforcement

    China seizes 4.5 tonnes of drugs in border anti-narcotics enforcement

    Chinese authorities have seized 4.5 tonnes of various drugs in their efforts to combat narcotics at border ports in the first half of this year.

    The National Immigration Administration (NIA) who announced this yesterday said the raid led to the arrest of 381 criminal suspects.

    As of Monday, these operations have successfully cracked 284 such drug-related cases, with 59 cases involving drugs weighing over 10,000 grams each.

    Read Also: China, Nigeria will explore cooperation in digital economy, green economy – Ms Yan Yuqing

    The NIA has ramped up its crackdown on drug-related crime in border areas, with a particular emphasis on stemming drug inflows.

    It planned to further implement measures to bolster anti-drug enforcement.

    These included stepping up investigations into violations, tightening control at border ports, targeting drug-trafficking rings and networks, including their leaders, and enhancing law enforcement cooperation with various countries and regions.

  • Stakeholders hail China’s economic model

    Stakeholders hail China’s economic model

    A high-level delegation of Nigerian officials and stakeholders who just returned from a two-week economic seminar in China, have urged the Federal Government to replicate the China’s economic model as a template for national development.

    The delegation included senior officials from the Ogun State government, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, representatives from the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigerian Police Force, traditional rulers, Rector of Ogun State Institute of Technology, and managers of the China-Africa Investment FZC.

    Speaking at a press conference held on Monday after returning from China, the stakeholders said the seminar focused on China’s market-oriented reforms, Special Economic Zones, environmental protection, and foreign direct investment.

    They noted that the Chinese experts shared their experiences and best practices, offering valuable lessons for the management of Nigerian SEZs.

    The delegation further said they gained valuable insights into the Asian giant’s economic development model.

    They commended China’s remarkable economic achievements and its willingness to share expertise with Nigeria.

    The seminar was organised by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos and Tianjin Economic-technological Development Area.

    The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu hailed the seminar as a game-changer in strengthening Nigeria-China economic cooperation.

    Alamutu who also participated in the seminar expressed satisfaction with the seminar, noting the resilient spirit of the Chinese people.

    The police boss emphasised that this experience would strengthen Nigeria-China relations and proposed a security collaboration and exchange programme to enhance capacity development, linking economic progress with safety and security.

    He added, “The seminar has opened our eyes to the importance of security in economic development. We propose a security collaboration and exchange program to enhance capacity development.”

    Also, the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, ACG Queen Ogbudu, who commended the seminar, noted that customs play a pivotal role in the development and management of Special Economic Zones.

    She stressed the importance of such initiatives in fostering international collaboration and economic progress.

    “China’s technological advancements are remarkable. We can learn a lot from their experience and apply it to our own development,” she noted.

    The Oloja Ekun of Igbesa, Oba Abdulazeez Akinde commended the Chinese government’s efforts to attract foreign investments through SEZs and improve educational standards.

    As a result of his experience in the seminar, he expressed a desire to replicate these successes in Igbesa which hosts the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone. He thanked the organizers and anticipating future collaborations.

    On his parts, the Rector of OGITECH, Dr. Abiodun Oluseye, said the seminar was a significant eye-opener, highlighting China’s remarkable technological advancements.