Lagos Consulate reaffirms one-China principle amid calls for Taiwan’s inclusion in UN

As the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly and the upcoming 42nd session of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) draw international attention, China has firmly reiterated its stance on the one-China principle in response to renewed calls in some Nigerian media for Taiwan’s inclusion in the UN system.

Citing historical facts, international law, and UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, China through its Consulate Lagos office emphasized that Taiwan is an inalienable part of its territory and that any attempts to challenge this principle are politically motivated and destined to fail.

According to the Chinese Consulate General spokes office in Lagos, Taiwan has belonged to China since ancient times. “This statement has a sound basis in history and jurisprudence. At its 26th session in October 1971, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, which settled once and for all the political, legal and procedural issues of China’s representation in the UN, and it covered the whole country, including Taiwan. It also spelled out that China has one single seat in the UN, so there is no such thing as “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan”. At the UN the island is referred to as “Taiwan, Province of China”.

The one-China principle, the Consulate noted office noted represents the universal consensus of the international community; it is consistent with the basic norms of international relations. To date, 183 countries including Nigeria, the United States and so on, have established diplomatic relations with the PRC on the basis of the one-China principle. The Joint Communiqué Between the People’s Republic of China and the Federal Republic of Nigeria (April, 2002), states that: “the Nigerian side reiterates the one-China policy that there is but one China in the world, the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory.”

“In September, 2024, the two Presidents agreed to upgrade the China-Nigeria relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and build a High-level China-Nigeria Community with a shared future. In the Joint Statement, the Nigerian side solemnly reaffirms that, it “firmly adheres to the one-China principle, acknowledges that there is but one China in the world, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. Nigeria opposes any form of ‘Taiwan Independence’ or interference in the internal affairs of China and firmly supports all efforts made by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification.”

“The China-US Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, published in December 1978, states: “The Government of the United States of America acknowledges the Chinese position that there is but one China and Taiwan is part of China.” It also states: “The United States of America recognizes the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China.”

“Taiwan’s participation in the activities of international organizations must be handled in accordance with the one-China principle. As a province of China, Taiwan has no basis, reason or right to join the UN or other international organizations that only sovereign states can join. Any issue regarding Taiwan’s participation in the activities of international organizations, including the ICAO, must be addressed in accordance with the one-China principle affirmed in the UNGA Resolution 2758.”

“It is the DPP authorities’ entrenched erroneous “Taiwan independence” stance and their refusal to accept the one-China principle that have taken away the political foundation of Taiwan’s participation in relevant international organizations. In recent years, every attempt to hype up so-called “Taiwan-related issues” at the ICAO has been rejected unanimously by countries that uphold justice. This again proves that the DPP authorities’ ploy to expand their “international space” by leveraging Taiwan’s participation in international organizations is bound to fail.”

“The fulfilment of national development and the well-being of all people is not only the dream of China, but also the common pursuit of all countries including Nigeria. Having experienced a history of colonization and national division, Nigeria shares a common historical memory with the Chinese people. We sincerely hope that on the journey towards national rejuvenation, China can join hands with Nigeria, overcome all difficulties and obstacles, and jointly achieve a prosperous and glorious future.”