A photo exhibition commemorating the 81st anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration to China has been held in Abuja, bringing together diplomats, scholars, industry leaders and media practitioners from China and Nigeria.
The exhibition, organised by Xinhua News Agency Africa Regional Bureau in partnership with several organisations, took place on Friday under the theme, “Remembering Taiwan’s Restoration, Advancing National Reunification.”
Featuring more than 30 photographs across four thematic sections, the exhibition highlighted historical events surrounding Taiwan’s return to China following Japan’s defeat in the Second World War, while underscoring the importance of national sovereignty, territorial integrity and peaceful reunification.
Speaking at the event, Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, described Taiwan’s restoration as an important outcome of the Chinese people’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and an integral part of the collective memory of the Chinese nation.
Yang said the exhibition’s historical photographs and accompanying records demonstrated the Chinese people’s determination to uphold the one-China principle and safeguard national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
He said the exhibition provided an opportunity to reflect on the historical significance of Taiwan’s restoration and reaffirm China’s commitment to national reunification.
Hu Jieguo, Secretary-General of the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification in Western Africa, said Taiwan was liberated from Japanese colonial rule and returned to China 81 years ago.
According to Hu, the restoration was achieved through the sacrifices of millions of Chinese who fought against foreign aggression.
He noted that the commemoration in Nigeria carried particular significance because both China and Nigeria had experienced foreign invasion and colonialism in their respective histories.
Hu said the shared historical experiences of the two countries provided a basis for understanding China’s position on national unity and sovereignty.
Gui Tao, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Xinhua News Agency Africa Regional Bureau, said the exhibition was part of a series of activities held in five African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Nigeria and Mozambique.
He said the initiative sought to revisit an important chapter of history while promoting peace, justice and respect for historical facts.
Gui observed that African countries, including Nigeria, had endured the consequences of colonialism and struggled for national independence, sovereignty and dignity.
He said these experiences enabled African audiences to better understand China’s historical journey and its position on national reunification.
The exhibition also featured video presentations by three Taiwanese businesspeople from China’s Guangdong Province, who shared their experiences of living and working on the Chinese mainland.
Chen Chi-An, Executive Vice President of the Guangzhou Taiwan-Funded Enterprises Association, said more than 2,900 Taiwan-funded companies were operating in Guangzhou, with Taiwanese students also studying and living in the city.
Chen said his years of working with young people from the mainland had been particularly rewarding.
He described the opportunity to contribute to the development of the mainland and collaborate with its younger generation as one of the most fulfilling aspects of his business experience.
Wu Chun-Jui, President of the Taiwan Businessmen Association in Dongguan, said the city offered a favourable business environment for Taiwanese entrepreneurs.
He disclosed that Taiwanese businesspeople had established self-funded hospitals and schools in Dongguan, contributing to the city’s development.
Wu expressed hope that the exhibition would help people reflect on the historical significance of Taiwan’s restoration, adding that the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation was unstoppable.
Similarly, Hsu Fu-hsien, President of the Taiwan Merchant Association in Shenzhen, said he had lived and worked in the city since 1990, building his career and family there.
Hsu said his personal experience reflected the growing connections between Taiwanese businesspeople and the mainland.
He expressed hope that the exhibition would provide African audiences and overseas Chinese communities with a clearer understanding of the experiences of Taiwanese people living and working on the mainland.
Speaking at the event, Sheriff Ibrahim, Head of the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research in Nigeria, said Nigeria recognised the one-China principle and had consistently reaffirmed its position on the issue.
Ibrahim said China’s efforts to maintain national unity had similarities with Nigeria’s own experience of protecting its territorial integrity.
He expressed confidence that China would eventually achieve peaceful reunification with Taiwan.
Charles Onunaiju, Director of the Centre for China Studies in Nigeria, said China’s historical experience of foreign intervention and colonial aggression was closely connected to the question of national reunification.
Onunaiju said African countries, having experienced colonialism and the struggle for independence, could understand China’s position on safeguarding sovereignty and national unity.
The exhibition also featured the presentation of a book edited by Xinhua News Agency.
In addition, Taiwan businessmen associations from Guangzhou and Shenzhen donated books to Nigerian officials and experts attending the event.
