Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, has reiterated China’s opposition to all tariff and trade wars in the interest of international economic and trade order and global fairness and justice.
She said economic bullying, which harms others, would eventually backfire, and promote protectionism, marked by “small yards and high fences” that ultimately will be swept into the dustbin of history.
The envoy spoke at the second Lagos Forum on 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Beijing Summit, themed, ‘Exploring new Paths for China-Nigeria and China-Africa Cooperation’, organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), in partnership with the Chinese Consulate General in Lagos, Africa-China Economic Magazine and Institute of African Studies, Jinhua, China, yesterday, in Lagos.
According to her, economic globalisation, inter-connectivity and complementary advantages have been the cornerstones of global prosperity over the past few decades, and they are also the essential path for sustained common development for all countries.
She emphasised China’s commitment to working in partnership with Nigeria to safeguard world peace and stability, and to advance a more equal and orderly multi-polar world.
Yuqing expressed expectations for the future of China-Nigeria cooperation as one that would thrive on jointly building a high-quality Belt and Road connectivity network, broaden openness and cooperation, nurture people-to-people exchanges as well as deepen global governance and cooperation.
NIIA’s Director-General, Nigerian, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, highlighted that enhancing bilateral engagement was key to strengthening alliances and fostering shared interests, especially as the world is evolving, visible through geopolitical shifts, technological advancements, and pressing need to tackle climate change that is reshaping global interactions.
He stated that Nigeria’s partnership with China, anchored on FOCAC, presents an opportunity to reimagine collaboration to align with the nation’s developmental objectives, strategic priorities, and vision for a shared future.
Osaghae stressed the need for the most populous black nation to change its perspective and transition from being mere recipients of cooperation to becoming co-creators.
This, according to him, means moving away from donor-led models towards demand-driven, African-shaped strategies. He added that Nigeria should focus on long-term and sustainable impacts, rather than short-term projects.
Director of Studies, NIIA, Prof. Efem Ubi, highlighted that while China may not offer a complete solution, its structured and deliberate modernisation over the past century offers valuable lessons for Africa.
He praised Nigeria’s recent elevation of ties with China to a comprehensive strategic partnership following the President’s visit in September, pointing out new opportunities in areas such as digital economy, innovation, science and technology.
Ubi urged African nations to engage with Asian countries in terms of protecting their sovereignty and national interests, avoiding the one-sided partnerships that have historically characterised dealings with Western nations.
