By Our Correspondent
Mr. Yu Dunhai, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, has said that over the past 76 years, China under the Communist Party of China, with a strong spirit of self-reform, has united and led the Chinese people in achieving rapid economic growth and long-term social stability.
The Ambassador stated this on Wednesday at the Congress Hall, Hilton Hotel, during the reception celebrating the 76th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China.
According to him, China has undergone transformative changes, and the Chinese nation’s great rejuvenation has entered an irreversible historical trend.
Dunhai explained that, “Over the past half century, China has lifted over 800 million people out of poverty, creating the ‘Chinese poverty alleviation miracle’, contributing to global poverty reduction and the progress of human development.
“In 2024, China’s GDP exceeded $18 trillion, with a per capita GDP surpassing $13,000. For years, China has contributed over 30% to global economic growth, serving as the primary engine of the world economy.
“We are now advancing the national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization. On this new journey, we stand firmly on the right side of history and human progress, upholding the banners of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit to promote global peace and shared progress.”
He noted that in this process, china is eager to share development opportunities with African countries, including Nigeria, and the rest of the world.
According to him, this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, reflecting on the lessons of two world wars, the international society established the UN, ushering in a new era of global governance.
“Eighty years later, China put forward the Global Governance Initiative, contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to strengthen and improve global governance, injecting stability and certainty into a turbulent world.
“The Global Governance Initiative embodies five core principles: adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach and focusing on taking real actions.
“Together with the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, it forms the ‘four pillars’ for building a community with a shared future for mankind,” the Ambassador said.
He emphasised that the Global Governance Initiative earns widespread acclaim and echoes, adding that days ago, Nigeria government issued a statement to endorse the Initiative.
According to Ambassador Yu, China deeply appreciates this support and backs Nigeria’s greater role on the international stage. “We are ready to work with Nigeria and African countries to advance cooperation under the framework of the GGI.
“This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Over the past 25 years, China and Africa have adhered to principles of sincerity, equality, mutual benefit, and common development.
“We foster a cooperation model that is equal, pragmatic and efficient.
China has remained committed to supporting Africa’s integration and enhancing its capacity for self-driven development.
“A number of cooperation plans have focused on Africa’s priority areas such as infrastructure, investment, trade, agriculture and finance, continuously empowering Africa’s development,” he stated.
He further revealed that last June, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that China will implement a zero-tariff policy for 100% of tariff lines on products from all African countries that have diplomatic relations with Country.
According to him, “These new measures will boost Africa’s strategic autonomy and development, opening a new chapter in high-quality China-Africa cooperation.
“It has been one year since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to China. During the visit, the leaders of our two countries decided to elevate our bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, which charted a new blueprint for China-Nigeria relations in the new era.
“Over the years, China-Nigeria relations have witnessed strong momentum. Our Foreign Ministers have met three times, and our legislatures have maintained close communication and exchanges.
“It is worth noting that President Tinubu appointed Joseph Tegbe as Director General for Nigeria-China strategic partnership.
Over the years, China and Nigeria stand side by side as major developing countries.”
He said that Nigeria joined the BRICS family, and became a founding member of the International Organization for Mediation. (GSF)
