China Hails Nigerian Media for Strengthening Bilateral Relations as Both Nations Mark 55 Years of Diplomatic Ties

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria has commended Nigerian journalists and media organisations for their role in strengthening diplomatic and cultural relations between Nigeria and China as both countries celebrate 55 years of bilateral ties.

The commendation was delivered during the conference of the Diplomatic Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DICAN) in Abuja, where the Chinese mission described the media as a critical bridge in deepening cooperation and mutual understanding between both nations.

Speaking at the event, DICAN Chairman, Idehai Frederick, said Nigeria-China relations have continued to flourish on the foundations of mutual trust, economic cooperation, and strong people-to-people exchanges.

He noted that 2026 has been designated as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, a move aimed at expanding collaboration in trade, infrastructure, finance, industry, education, technology, and security across the African continent.

Highlighting recent economic engagements, Frederick pointed to China’s decision to grant zero-tariff treatment to exports from all 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with Beijing, including Nigeria, effective from May 1, 2026.

According to him, the policy is expected to open wider access for Nigerian products into the Chinese market and strengthen trade relations between both countries.

He also cited cultural and educational cooperation as major pillars of the growing relationship, noting that the Chinese Cultural Centre in Nigeria has continued to host exchange programmes and events promoting closer understanding between citizens of both nations.

The Chinese mission praised Nigerian journalists for what it described as accurate and constructive reporting on China-Nigeria relations, calling media practitioners “faithful recorders” and “dedicated champions” of bilateral friendship.

The embassy, however, urged journalists to maintain professionalism, objectivity, and fairness, especially on sensitive international matters.

Particular reference was made to media coverage of the Taiwan issue, with the Chinese side commending Nigerian media organisations for reporting in line with the One-China Principle, which Nigeria reaffirmed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to China in September 2024.

As part of efforts to deepen cooperation with the Nigerian media, the embassy disclosed that representatives from nearly 20 Nigerian media organisations recently participated in training and study tours in China.

The programmes reportedly exposed journalists to China’s development strategies, poverty alleviation policies, the Belt and Road Initiative, digital journalism practices, and direct engagements with major Chinese media institutions including Xinhua News Agency and China Global Television Network (CGTN).

According to the embassy, the initiative is designed to build technological partnerships, strengthen professional capacity, and expand media collaboration under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

The Chinese mission further pledged to sustain engagement with Nigerian journalists through additional exchange programmes, training opportunities, and practical cooperation initiatives aimed at promoting stronger media ties.

The event formed part of broader diplomatic engagements marking over five decades of Nigeria-China relations, which both countries say continue to expand across economic, political, cultural, and strategic sectors.