- The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Yu Dunhai, said China would leverage the United States’ tariffs to strengthen its ties with Nigeria
- The envoy pledged China’s commitment to multilateralism, fair trade, and support for Africa’s development
- He called for global unity against US tariffs, saying China is willing to negotiate with the US on equal terms
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Yu Dunhai, says the United States’ recent tariffs imposed on countries have created new opportunities for stronger economic cooperation between China and Nigeria.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, Dunhai said the US’ protectionist policies are not only harmful to the global economy but also serve as a strategic opening for China and Nigeria to deepen bilateral ties.
The envoy criticised the US for what he called an outdated “America First” agenda that undermines global trade norms and hinders growth in developing economies.
He noted that already, the US tariffs have triggered inflation, devalued currencies, and disrupted stock markets across Africa.
“The US aims to force other countries to submit through maximum pressure and make America great again. But this strategy will backfire, harming its own interests as much as others,” the ambassador said.
China pledges multilateralism, fair trade, to support Africa’s development
Dunhai stressed that, unlike the US, China is committed to multilateralism, fair trade, and support for Africa’s development.
He cited the Chinese President Xi Jinping’s pledge during the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, which grants zero-tariff to 100 per cent of product categories from all least-developed countries with diplomatic ties to China, including Nigeria.
The ambassador assured that with China-Nigeria bilateral trade hitting $22.5 billion, the Chinese government is optimistic about expanding cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, and technology.
Dunhai said the deepening economic relations between Nigeria and China are evident in the ongoing Belt and Road Initiative projects such as railways, ports, and power stations.
He urged Nigeria to leverage the opportunity presented by shifting global trade dynamics, particularly the disruptions caused by US tariff policy, and strengthen its ties with China.
“Nigeria is a big market as it has over 200 million population. So we would like to have more Chinese investments here in Nigeria.
“In fact, I was told that many investors came to Nigeria in the past months alone to explore opportunities, especially in infrastructure and key connectivity.
“All in all, I see growing synergy between China and Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“So I am very optimistic there will be more opportunities for China and Nigeria moving forward.
“Together, we will uphold the multilateral trading system, resist protectionism, and foster an open, inclusive, and fair international environment.
“Our shared goal is to advance an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation, building a community with a shared future for humanity,” Dunhai said.
China calls for global unity against US tariffs
The envoy cited data from US sources, which reported rising inflation as a result of the tariff and the public’s opposition to the tariff measures.
Dunhai said a recent CBS poll showed that nearly two-thirds of American voters disapprove of the tariffs.
He called on the international community to reject the US tariff imposition, adding that resistance to unilateralism is an act of defending fairness, multilateralism, and the global economic order.
The ambassador said, “The international community must unite and fight back to defend our shared interests.
“Today, opposing US tariff abuse and bullying means upholding multilateralism and fairness and justice.”
China willing to negotiate with US on equal terms – Envoy
Dunhai further said that China remains committed to defending its interests and those of developing countries.
He noted that China is willing to negotiate with the US but only on equal terms, stressing that the country is equally ready to respond firmly if provoked.
Recall that the US President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariffs for most countries, following a week of volatile global markets, bringing a temporary relief to the ongoing trade war.
Trump, however, imposed harsher tariffs on China, increasing tariffs on the country by 245 per cent following China’s retaliatory tariff measures, which have escalated trade tensions between the two largest economies.
Tinubu, Xi meeting to reach economic, bilateral agreements
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China were leading a meeting expected to lead to the signing of some economic and bilateral agreements.
The robust bilateral agreements between the two countries focused on crucial sectors, such as the green economy, agricultural advancement, satellite technology innovation, development and promotion of media enterprises, blue economic growth, and collaborative national planning efforts.
