Abuja: China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, emphasized the significance of Nigeria’s consistent adherence to the One-China principle as a foundation for the strengthening China-Nigeria partnership. Speaking at a symposium organized by the Chinese Embassy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Yu highlighted the importance of this principle in bilateral relations.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ambassador Yu noted that the return of Taiwan to China was part of the post-war order, asserting that reunification remains a historic inevitability. He pointed out the shared responsibilities of China and Nigeria, as major developing countries and key members of the Global South, to uphold the outcomes of World War II and protect the international order.
The ambassador reiterated China’s dedication to promoting global peace, unity, and multilateral cooperation, urging both nations to collaborate for global fairness and justice. Describing the commemoration as a solemn reminder of shared sacrifices, Yu underscored the importance of a collective commitment to peace, emphasizing values of courage, unity, and perseverance.
Yu recalled the September 18, 1931 incident, which marked the beginning of China’s 14-year resistance against Japanese militarism. He acknowledged the decisive role played by the Chinese resilience and the Communist Party of China (CPC) in the struggle. He also paid tribute to Nigerian soldiers who fought against Japanese forces in Burma, highlighting the shared legacy of sacrifice in the global anti-fascist struggle.
The ambassador reaffirmed China’s commitment to peace, citing President Xi Jinping’s vision of building “a community with a shared future for mankind.” He mentioned initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative as contributions to global stability and prosperity.
Mr. Charles Onunaiju, Director of the Centre for China Studies (CCS), provided a historical perspective on the war, recalling the Marco Polo Bridge Incident of 1937 as the start of Japan’s full-scale invasion. He emphasized the significance of China’s resistance, which tied down nearly a million Japanese troops and inflicted significant losses despite enormous sacrifices. Onunaiju highlighted the role of China’s wartime resilience in shaping its post-war political framework and foreign policy.
Prof. Sheriff Ibrahim, Director of the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research and Head of the International Centre, University of Abuja, described the war’s victory as a lesson for humanity, emphasizing hope, resilience, and patriotism. He outlined six key lessons from the war, advocating for multilateralism, trust-building, and cooperation as safeguards against future aggression.
The symposium featured a photo exhibition showcasing the history of the war and honoring the heroes who sacrificed their lives in defense of their country.