Chinese diplomatic representatives have urged Nigerian journalists to consider Beijing’s official position on Taiwan when describing the island in news coverage, prompting a discussion about the boundary between diplomatic sensitivities and editorial independence.
At a meeting with media executives in Lagos, Xu Fan of the Chinese Consulate General said Beijing regarded the One China Principle as central to its relations with Nigeria. He referred to United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and Nigeria’s diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China. Those references reflect Beijing’s interpretation; the resolution’s scope and Taiwan’s political status remain matters of international dispute.
Nigerian media representatives maintained that editorial judgment must remain independent and that disagreements over terminology should be handled through explanation and the right of reply rather than pressure on newsrooms.
The meeting also examined trade, industrial investment and concerns about Chinese participation in Nigerian retail markets and illegal mining. Xu said Chinese authorities would not protect nationals who violate Nigerian law and advocated greater investment in local manufacturing instead of relying principally on exports of finished goods.
He put bilateral trade in 2025 at about $28 billion and described new tariff opportunities for African exporters, including producers of sesame, cashew and cocoa. Former diplomat Anderson Madubike and organiser Peter Ogbonna Eze called for balanced reporting and deeper economic cooperation. Xu offered training and professional exchanges for Nigerian journalists.
