By Gabriel Ameh
An exhibition in Abuja marking 81 years since Taiwan’s restoration to China has brought together diplomats, researchers, business leaders and media practitioners to reflect on history, sovereignty and China’s push for national reunification.
Organised by the Xinhua News Agency Africa Regional Bureau in partnership with other organisations, the exhibition was held on Friday, October 23, 2026, under the theme, “Remembering Taiwan’s Restoration, Advancing National Reunification.”
The exhibition featured more than 30 photographs arranged across four thematic sections, presenting historical events surrounding Taiwan’s return to Chinese control after Japan’s defeat in the Second World War.
The event also provided a platform for Chinese representatives and Nigerian researchers to discuss national sovereignty, territorial integrity and the historical experiences of both countries.
Speaking at the exhibition, Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, described Taiwan’s restoration as an important outcome of China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
Yang said the photographs and historical records reflected China’s determination to uphold the one-China principle and protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He added that the exhibition offered an opportunity to revisit 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 returned to China 81 years ago following Japan’s defeat in the Second World War.
Hu linked the commemoration to the sacrifices made by millions of Chinese people during the war, noting that the experiences of China and Nigeria under foreign aggression and colonial rule offered a basis for understanding each other’s historical perspectives.
According to him, the event was an opportunity to reflect on the importance of national unity and sovereignty.
Exhibition Takes China’s Historical Narrative Across Africa
Gui Tao, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Xinhua News Agency Africa Regional Bureau, said the exhibition was part of a series of activities organised in five African countries: Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Nigeria and Mozambique.
Gui said the initiative aimed to revisit an important historical period while promoting peace, justice and respect for historical facts.
He noted that African countries, including Nigeria, had experienced colonialism and fought for independence, sovereignty and national dignity.
He added that these shared historical experiences could help African audiences better understand China’s position on national reunification.
Taiwanese Businesspeople Share Experiences on Chinese Mainland
The exhibition also featured video presentations by three Taiwanese businesspeople living and working in mainland China, who discussed their experiences and business activities.
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.
He also highlighted the presence of Taiwanese students living and studying in the city, describing his interactions with young people from mainland China as one of the rewarding aspects of his professional experience.
Wu Chun-Jui, President of the Taiwan Businessmen Association in Dongguan, said the city provided a favourable environment for Taiwanese entrepreneurs.
He disclosed that Taiwanese businesspeople had established self-funded hospitals and schools in Dongguan, contributing to local development.
Wu expressed hope that the exhibition would encourage greater understanding of Taiwan’s historical relationship with China.
Similarly, Hsu Fu-hsien, President of the Taiwan Merchant Association in Shenzhen, said he had lived and worked in the city since 1990, where he had built his career and family.
Hsu said his experience reflected the connections between Taiwanese businesspeople and mainland China. He expressed hope that the exhibition would help African audiences and overseas Chinese communities better understand the experiences of Taiwanese people living and working on the mainland.
Nigerian Researchers Highlight One-China Policy
In his remarks, 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 drew a comparison between China’s efforts to maintain national unity and 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, also highlighted the relationship between China’s historical experiences of foreign intervention and colonial aggression and its position on national reunification.
Onunaiju said African countries could better understand China’s position on sovereignty and national unity because of their own experiences with colonialism and the struggle for independence.
The event also featured the presentation of a book edited by Xinhua News Agency, while Taiwan businessmen associations from Guangzhou and Shenzhen donated books to Nigerian officials and experts who attended the exhibition.
The exhibition formed part of broader efforts to promote discussions on China’s historical experience, its relationship with Taiwan and its engagement with African countries.
