5 days ago
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ABUJA – Taiwan has listed gains for Nigeria if President Bola Tinubu expedites the relocation of its mission office from Lagos to Abuja, saying the move will enhance diplomatic relations with Nigeria to support socio-economic development for both parties.
This point was made to journalists in Abuja by Andy Yih-Ping Liu, Taiwan’s Head of Mission in Nigeria, emphasising that while Nigeria possesses abundant natural resources, Taiwan lacks these but has the technical expertise to help develop them.
Liu also used the avenue to point out obliquely that Taiwan does not engage in economic sabotage activities that its main rival, China’s nationals have been involved in the country.
He cited Taiwan’s successful collaboration with Australia over the past 20 years in agriculture, mineral, and energy sectors.
Liu stated that Taiwan does not engage in illegal mining or backdoor deals and asserted that Nigeria, as Africa’s largest democracy, should not be influenced by totalitarian regimes.
He expressed dismay over former President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2017 decision to move Taiwan’s mission from Abuja to Lagos, urging Tinubu to restore its original location, where all foreign missions were established after Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999.
He pointed out that major powers, including the U.S. and Russia, maintain trade relations with Taiwan, and emphasised that Nigeria should not be restricted in its dealings with Taiwan.
The ongoing tension between Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) continues to influence Taiwan’s international relations.
Following the Chinese Civil War in 1949, the Nationalists fled to Taiwan, establishing the Republic of China (ROC) and functioning as a self-governing entity.
The PRC, however, views Taiwan as a breakaway province. Despite this, Taiwan maintains its own democratically elected government, and many citizens consider the island sovereign.
While most countries adhere to the “One-China” principle, officially recognizing the PRC’s claim over Taiwan, some major powers like the U.S. and Japan navigate a complex relationship, acknowledging the principle while maintaining unofficial ties with Taiwan, including significant military and economic support crucial for Taiwan’s defense against potential mainland aggression.
Liu also clarified that Taiwan operates independently of the Chinese embassy, as China cannot issue visas or passports for Taiwanese citizens, underscoring Taiwan’s distinct sovereignty.
Liu also called on the Nigerian government to finalize the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) to strengthen bilateral ties and foster economic growth.
He commended Tinubu’s commitment to a non-aligned foreign policy and noted the President’s vision of making South-East Nigeria the “Taiwan of Africa.”
He highlighted the positive reception of Taiwanese products among Nigerian traders and stressed the importance of attracting more Taiwanese investment in Nigeria. Liu, who has had a long history with Taiwan’s diplomatic mission in Nigeria, noted that the bilateral agreement signed in 1991 needs updating.
English (US) ·