Steadily Expanding Institutional Opening-Up to Forge New Prospects of China-Nigeria Win-Win Cooperation

By: Yu Dunhai, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria

In October this year, the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China was convened in Beijing. The session reviewed and adopted the Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development, outlining a grand blueprint for China’s development over the next five years, pointing the way forward for Chinese modernization.

The session also laid out plans for improving the institutions and mechanisms for high-standard opening-up, explicitly putting forward “steadily expanding institutional opening-up”. Unlike the opening-up centered on the flow of goods and factors, institutional opening-up, as a hallmark of high-standard openness, focus more on rules, regulations, management, and standards. It is more comprehensive, systematic, and stable, representing a more advanced form of opening-up.

In recent years, the transformation of the global trading system has been accelerating. On one hand, trade in developed economies has weakened, while the Global South has become the main driver of global trade growth. On the other hand, the WTO-centered multilateral trading system has faced increasing challenges, and mega-free trade agreements promoted by developed economies have gained an advantage in reshaping global rules. These trends indicate that the global economic governance system is struggling to keep pace with an evolving landscape.

In this context, steadily advancing institutional opening-up will enhance China’s participation in the reform of global economic governance. By firmly supporting the WTO-centered multilateral trading system and steadily expanding institutional openness in rules, regulations, management, and standards, China will strengthen its leadership and agenda-setting influence in shaping international economic and trade rules. Meanwhile, China will also participate more comprehensively in WTO reform and the adjustment of global economic and trade rules, contributing more public goods to the world.

Since December 1, 2024, China has granted zero-tariff treatment to 100% of products from all least developed countries (LDCs) with which it has diplomatic relations, covering 33 African nations. In June this year, China further extended this zero-tariff policy to include all 53 African countries that have established diplomatic ties with it. These measures reflect the consistent implementation of the principle of “mutual benefit and win-win cooperation” in guiding China-Africa relations and highlight China’s firm determination to adapt to the evolving international landscape and strengthen multilateral economic and trade relations.

Moreover, China’s zero-tariff policy toward African countries will help reshape the trade landscape between China and Africa, elevating Africa’s position in international trade and global supply chains. It will also support African nations in achieving industrial chain upgrading, moving beyond a “resource-export” economic model, and accelerating their industrialization and modernization, further illustrating the great significance of strengthening cooperation among Global South countries.

China and Nigeria share a long-standing and profound friendship. In recent years, bilateral relations between our two countries have grown rapidly. Last September, during the meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Bola Tinubu in Beijing, the two heads of state elevated the China-Nigeria relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. China supports Nigeria in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs and stands ready to strengthen coordination with Nigeria through multilateral mechanisms. Together, the two sides will advance solidarity and self-reliant development of the Global South, advance world multi-polarization and economic globalization, and contribute to a more just and equitable global governance system.

China is also willing to advance high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and work together with Nigeria to align the “Ten Partnership Actions” of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) with President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” Agenda and his administration’s “Eight Priority Areas.” To further this goal, China also stands ready to implement the zero-tariff policy through the negotiation and signing of the Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development. Furthermore, China is willing to walk hand in hand with Nigeria on the path to modernization, strengthen strategic synergy, expand all-round cooperation, deliver more tangible outcomes, and serve the development needs of both countries.

Steadily Expanding Institutional Opening-Up to Forge New Prospects of China-Nigeria Win-Win Cooperation

With Civilization Exchange and Mutual Learning as the Brush, Paint a New Chapter of China-Nigeria Cooperation

By: Yu Dunhai

Every Wednesday at 5 p.m., the Lagos Coastal Highway is bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, while vendors in Abuja markets pack up their last baskets of okra. At that moment, a familiar radio signal cuts through the bustling streets, carrying greetings from “Nihao! China” into thousands of Nigerian homes. Produced jointly by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, “Nihao! China” radio program uses accessible language and vivid storytelling to bring the voice of China to Nigerian audiences, adding a vibrant chapter to the cultural exchanges between China and Nigeria.

China’s commitment to cultural exchange is also integrated into our national development plan. Recently, the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee was successfully convened, adopting the Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan. This session has not only charted a grand course for China’s forthcoming development, but also created fresh opportunities for China-Nigeria relations to deepen civilizational mutual learning, solidify cooperative foundations, and thereby inject more positive energy and stability into our currently turbulent world.

The Fourth Plenary Session clearly called for “ engaging in deeper exchanges and mutual learning with other cultures, carrying out extensive people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, and encouraging efforts to build the presence of more cultural enterprises and fine cultural works on the world stage.” Rooted in China’s cultural practices, this vision reflects a profound understanding of the laws of civilizational development and closely aligns with the historical and cultural trajectories of both China and Nigeria. With a history stretching back over 5,000 years, Chinese civilization has not only thrived but has also cultivated a philosophy that “One should value not only one’s own culture, but also the cultures of others, and this will contribute to the flourishing of all cultures.” Similarly, with a rich history spanning millennia, Nigeria stands as a one of the cradle of African civilizations, nurturing the Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and other cultures into a vibrant and symbiotic ecosystem. Despite the geographical distance, both China and Nigeria uphold cultural traditions that emphasize inclusiveness and harmonious coexistence. This shared ethos has laid a solid foundation for deepening exchanges and mutual learning between our two nations.

Cultural exchange has long been a vital part of the friendship between China and Nigeria. A series of co-organized events, including “Happy Chinese New Year,” “China-Nigeria Culture and Tourism Week,” “Mid-Autumn Festival Gala,” “China-Nigeria Film Festival,” and the “China-Nigeria Table Tennis Friendship Tournament”, have significantly enhanced mutual understanding and deepened the bonds of friendship between our peoples. Our cooperation has also fostered a bond through educational platforms: 15 “China Corners” have been established in public high schools in Abuja, two Confucius Institutes are operating at Nigerian universities, and the “Nihao! China” program has now reached an audience of over 7 million. Furthermore, the number of Nigerian students in China has exceeded 5,000 for consecutive years, and a growing number of Nigerian creators are gaining popularity on Chinese short-video platforms. Cultural exchange has truly become a key bridge in bringing the people of China and Nigeria closer together.

Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan period, China is ready to work with Nigeria, leveraging the opportunity of the “2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges” to establish a multi-level, broad-ranging, and regular cooperation mechanism, making civilizational mutual learning a robust engine for practical collaboration between our two nations. China will continue to encourage young people from both countries to participate in thematic activities such as academic exchanges, skills training, and startup incubation; promote stronger news and information sharing between our mainstream media outlets; and further enhance the “Nihao! China” program to better meet the Nigerian people’s interest in learning about China. China will also deepen exchanges and cooperation in the creative industries, with increased efforts in copyright cooperation and localized adaptation in sectors such as gaming, animation, and online literature. Through these measures, we will foster understanding via exchange and promote development through mutual learning, continuously promoting civilization exchange and mutual economic benefits between China and Nigeria.

There is a saying that civilizations flourish through exchange and grow richer through mutual learning. This idea is vividly reflected in the echoing voices of reading in the “China Corners,” in the joint cultural performances on stage, in the overseas studies of young Nigerians, in the heart-to-heart interactions among ordinary people, and in the shared opportunities and collaborative exploration emerging in the creative industries. These dynamic scenes fully illustrate how different civilizations can coexist harmoniously, support one another, and prosper together.

Standing at this new historical starting point, China is ready to join hands with Nigeria to jointly draw a new blueprint for bilateral cooperation through deeper civilizational dialogue and mutual learning. Together, we will further strengthen our comprehensive strategic partnership and contribute even more to building a community with a shared future for humanity.
Yu Dunhai is Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria

With Civilization Exchange and Mutual Learning as the Brush, Paint a New Chapter of China-Nigeria Cooperation

I performed over 73 mass burials of Christians; I buried 501 in one village, and they say there is no genocide against Christians? – Ezekiel Dacho

The world has witnessed a troubling increase in religious persecution, particularly against Christian communities in various regions. In this piece, Pastor Ezekiel Dacho shares the harrowing experience of conducting over 73 mass burials of his fellow Christians in Plateau State. He reflected that these moments are etched in his memory—not just as acts of mourning but as stark reminders of the ongoing violence and systemic oppression his community faces. Following his interviews with Lazarus Balami, NEWSng reports on the realities of this situation that challenges the narrative that denies any genocide against Christians and calls upon society to acknowledge and advocate for the victims of this tragedy.

The term “genocide” carries with it a heavy weight, invoking images of mass slaughter, ethnic cleansing, and the systematic extermination of a group based solely on their identity or beliefs. In Plateau State, the situation reflects a devastating intersection of ethno-religious conflicts, where Christians have become specific targets of brutal attacks, leading to significant loss of life. Despite the overwhelming evidence presented through mass burials and testimonies from survivors, there remains a disconcerting denial of these atrocities as mere “isolated incidents.” It is this denial that fuels further violence, allowing the persecution to continue unchecked.

“The day I buried 501 individuals from one village remains one of the most heart-wrenching experiences of my pastoral career. Each coffin represented not only a life lost but also a family shattered, a community fractured, and faith tested. These were not mere statistics; they were brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, and children whose hopes and dreams were snuffed out in an instant. The emotional and spiritual toll of witnessing such devastation is unimaginable, yet it pales compared to the relentless suffering endured by those left behind.” Pastor Dacho explained. 

To suggest that no genocide exists against Christians in Plateau State and elsewhere with such magnitude of violence targeted at Christians is to turn a blind eye to the reality faced by countless families. The denial of these events has far-reaching implications. It emboldens perpetrators, who feel justified in their actions when society refuses to acknowledge their brutality. It silences victims and deprives them of their right to speak out against their suffering. It diminishes the gravity of their experiences, reducing their pain to a mere political talking point rather than a profound human crisis.

Some might contend that the conflict in Plateau State is rooted in broader socio-economic issues, such as land disputes and resource allocation, rather than religious animosity. While it is true that these factors play a role, they should not overshadow the blatant targeting of Christians as an identifiable group. The destruction of villages, the targeting of churches, and the killings of defenseless individuals during worship services cannot merely be dismissed as collateral damage in broader conflicts. Such actions squarely fit the definition of persecution, exacerbated by the fact that these assaults primarily affect the Christian population.

According to Ezekiel, a key element in the ongoing struggle against persecution is the need for awareness and acknowledgment from the international community. “As Christians, it is vital for us to extend our voices beyond the confines of our congregations, pressing for recognition and justice on a global scale. We must rally support from human rights organizations, governmental bodies, and global religious leaders to shed light on the plight of those suffering under the weight of oppression. Silence in the face of such tragedies is complicity, and we must refuse to be silent any longer.

“The Church must embrace its mission to aid and comfort those affected by violence. This involves providing not just spiritual guidance but also practical support—food, shelter, and counseling for survivors of violent attacks. It requires standing firm in advocacy, working alongside organizations that seek to document abuses and push for accountability. We must forge coalitions that bridge denominational lines, uniting in a common cause to protect the vulnerable and to proclaim boldly that the lives lost have inherent value.”

NEWSng reports that beyond the practical concerns, the theological implications of this crisis must also be examined. As followers of Christ, the Christians are called to love and protect the least among them. The massacre of innocent lives demands a response rooted in compassion and justice. To remain indifferent is to betray the core tenets of the Christian faith. 

“God sees our struggles and hears the cries of His people. He promises that those who mourn will be comforted, but we also understand that such comfort often comes through the hands and feet of His church acting in the world.” He said. 

NEWSng observed that, as we consider the future, it is crucial to foster dialogue aimed at reconciliation, understanding, and healing within and between communities. Efforts must be made to engage with those who perpetuate violence and encourage conversations that seek to understand grievances and promote peace. Although this may seem daunting, it is essential if we are to move beyond cycles of hatred and revenge that have plagued our society.

As Pastor Ezekiel puts it, “We must collectively reject the narrative that denies the genocide against Christians in Plateau State and elsewhere. The evidence is clear, and the pain is palpable. Society must awaken to the realities faced by those who suffer at the hands of violence and persecution. It is our moral obligation to advocate for truth, to demand justice, and to provide support to all those affected by this tragedy. My experiences as Pastor Ezekiel Dacho serve as both a plea for recognition and a call to action. As we reflect on the enormity of our responsibilities, let us not forget: God holds us accountable for the injustices we witness. May we rise up in faith, courage, and solidarity to protect and nurture those in distress and to work tirelessly toward a future where every individual can live freely, without fear, in pursuit of their faith.”

I performed over 73 mass burials of Christians; I buried 501 in one village, and they say there is no genocide against Christians? – Ezekiel Dacho