Nigeria Severs Diplomatic Ties With Taiwan

The Federal Government of Nigeria, has reaffirmed its support for a “One China” policy by cutting diplomatic ties with Taiwan, and asking them to move their office from Abuja to Lagos.

Minister Of Foreign affairs, Goeffry Onyeama, disclosed this at a news conference in the Federal Capital Territory on Wednesday.

Also, according to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Sola Enikanolaiye, “Nigeria has no diplomatic ties with Taiwan, only trade and commercial ties”.

He said, since Lagos is regarded as the commercial capital of the country, then Taiwan’s office should be in Lagos and not Abuja.

Taiwan has however objected to the Federal Government’s move saying the Nigerian government is being pressured by China to isolate it- a claim Mr Onyeama denied.

China regards Taiwan as a renegade province, ineligible for state-to-state relations, and to be taken back by force if necessary, especially if it makes moves toward independence.

“Taiwan will stop enjoying any privileges because it is not a country that is recognized under international law and under the position we have taken internationally, we recognize the people of China,” the minister said.

“Chinese government does not oppose trading with Taiwan as long as there is no formal contact with the government that will suggest recognition of Taiwan as a sovereign country.”

Meanwhile, the small island nation is hoping that Nigeria could leave room for further discussion based on the policies of mutual benefits and equality.