,

Dedication Foreward Preface Acknow/edgements

Abbreviations

Chapter I

Contents

Brief Historical Overview

Chapter II Political Cooperation

Chapter 111 Nigeria-China Joint Commission

Chapter IV Problems and Prospects of Bilateral Trade

Chapter V Information, Culture, Youth and Sports

Chapter VI Friendship Association

Chapter VII Conclusion

Appendix I Appendix JA Appendix 1/ Appendix /1/ Appendix IV Appendix V Appendix VI Appendix VII Appendix VIII Index

vii

V

ix xiii xvii

xxi

1

9

19

33

43

56

79 84 86 87 90 94

101 103 104 105 107

Chapter I

Brief Historical Overview

·Historical contacts between China and Africa began hundreds .of years ago. Indeed, the nature of the bonds of friendship we share has its roots in the past centuries.

Historians and scholars have uneavered ample evidence that there was some form of indirect contact between China and North Africa during the period leading up to the 2nd Century. Such evidence includes traces of Chinese silk discovered amongst the remains of an Egyptian mummy excavated over 3,000 years ago. It is also known that Cleopatra, the last Queen of Egypt, often wore Chinese silk clothing. lt is generally .acknowledged that these contacts were facilitated via trade ,routes in lndia, Persia (Iran) and Syria. Although these contacts were few and far between, they were peaceful and friendly; ·and they laid the foundation for direct forms of contacts in the succeeding centuries.

lndeed, contacts between China and Nrica from 2nd - 11th · century took different forms from the period which preceded it. Stilllargely on friendly tern1s, these contacts were essentially :placed at official Ievels. It is known that Egypt, then a :protectorate of the Roman Empire, sent representatives, bearing · African gifts such as ivory and tortoise to Chinese emperors. :In fact, this also became the norm for several East African :·countries, vizSomali, Kenya and Zanzibar (in Tanzania). These ·; contacts inevitably increased with the discovery of new trade routes by sea. The Chinese emperors, during the Tang and Song dynasties, sent representatives, scholars and historians, with gifts to counterparts in North and East Nrica. This period witnessed a great deal of mutually beneficial contacts between China and Nrica.

1

2 \'Jgt•na-Ciuna Fore1gn Relations ( /960 - /999)

The period from 11th - 16th century was characterized r attempts on both sides to acquire greater knowledge understanding of each other. For example, a Chinese trave ' known as Wang Boayan noted in his memoirs that he trave to parts of North and East Africa between 1337-9, and 1 8. Similarly, a Morocan scholar, who paid a visit to Ch' araund 1358 documented his experiences of Chin traditional customs, scenery and people. Official visits w also known to have taken place during this period.- A na c explorer, Zhen He, was sent several times by the Ming dyn to parts of East Africa to forge closer officia! and trade lin c

On the other hand, the likes of the Kingof Malindi in Ken , sent delegates to China in return. Unfortunately the Ki . accompanied by his wife, died enroute to China, and buried in Fuzhou Province. It was normal to organise gra receptions, banquets, and exchange of gifts and goods duri 1~ such visits

Although certain upheavals which occurred between the 1 and 191h century scuttled the steady growth in relations betwe l;

China and Nrica, they were never terminated. Similarly, e though such domestic and international events as the Chinefl, revolution, African independence struggles and the cold v..~·~ were quick to come to the fore, the policies pursued by countrif:;! within both regions were geared towards meeting their bunt~. desire for cooperation. Direct contacts through various meri.1 continued to dominate and influence events. The bo~l between China and African countriesalso manifested itseHt. the form of shared principles, beliefs and support for each oÜ'~ in the international fora and diplomatic recognition, follol' · by exchange of principal envoys in each others' capital ·. development of poHcies for mutually beneficial econo .. assistance, international trade, cultural and educatiorJ: exchanges. ~

t ..

I Bnef H1slorica/ Overview 3

~~· ----------------------------~~--------------Thus, it is not surprising that the 2Qth century witnessed very

1' obust relationship between China and African countries. Just · bout all independent African countries now have diplomatic elations or some form of contact with the People 's Republic f China. Even so, serious steps are being taken to strengthen xisting bonds. All areund us we see intense bilateral and ultilateral activities taking place: official visits being exchanged

· ydignitaries, symposia and trade fairs being organised, trade, cientific, cultural and technological cooperation agreements

· eing signed, development projects being erected or i · onstructed, whilst cultural and educational exchanges have ~ ecome common phenomena. Allthese activities go a long

ay to promote better understanding, and provide the way orward for China and African countries to forge closer ties. 1

It is pertinent at this juncture to place on record the State isit of His ExceUency, Mr Jiang Zemin, ?resident of the People 's epublic of China, to six African countries viz. Kenya, Ethiopia, ygpt, Mali, Namibia and Zirnbabwe in May 1996, during which e made his now farnaus speech entitled .. Townrds a New olltlcal Milestone in Sino-Afrlcon Frlendshlp" .2 Apart

trom the heads of state and governments of the countries ~isited, he also met the Secretary-General of the Organisation ;>f African Unity (OAU). His Excellency Salirn Ahmed Salim ~nd signed 23 agreements, accords, letters of intent and nemoranda of understanding an trade, economic, cultural and echnical cooperation. In fact, the visit was characterized as 1aving strengthened the foundation for Sino-African ooperation in the next millennium.3 ln appreciation of this 1esture, the presidents and heads of government of the ountries, and even those unavoidably skipped, pledged to onsult and cooperate with China in all n1atters of mutual 1terest. It \.vas not, therefore, surprising that China, in this Jirit of cooperation, joined African countries in the campaign ) elect ~1r Kofi Annan (Ghanaian) as the current Secretary-

4 N1gena-Chma Fore1gn Re/auons (1960 - /999)

General of the United Nations Organisation (UNO), in 1 The Secretary-General has reciprocated this generous 9E by attending all OAU Summit meetings, and taking Sf

interest in conflict resolutions, developmental proj democracy and debt redemption in Africa.

As regards Nigeria-China relations, available records 1

to Mr Chan Hiang-Kang, Commercial Officer in the Chi Embassy in Cairo having established unofficial trade links Nigeria, along with Ghana, Ethiopia, Tanganyika ( Tanzania) in 1957.5 On the other hand, late Mrs. F. Rans< Kuti, one of the best known Nigerian women political and s activists, surreptitiously visited Berlin and Beijing in the 1' to participate in the meetings of the "AII-World Assemb. Peace" and the "Women International Democratic Federat respectively, much to the chagrin of the colonial authori This was particularly so because the then Chief Secretar the Government had advised her that communist organisati whose intentions and activities were disguised to attract meaning persons with humanistic ideals, were ind established to promote Soviet supremacy throughout the wc But when she persisted in travelling to these countries, application for renewal of Nigeria passport was rejected the colonial authorities. The action evoked considerable I and cry in the Nigerian and European mass media, and \ roundly condemned in the Hause of Representati1 (Parliament) in 1958. The Prime Minster, late Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Ba Iewa was, therefore, obliged to expi the circumstances surrounding the rejection of her applicafi and the "determination of Government to prevent ~ infiltration of communism and communist ideologies ~ Nigeria.6'' All contacts with the Eastern bloc countries China, at that time, were prohibited and proscribed. In fa Nigerian students who obtained benevolent scholarships .. undisclosed sources" and Nigerian trade union Ieaders w

(

Briefl/istorical Overvi~w 5

ttended international conferences in those countries had to smuggled out of Nigeria through Ghana. In spite of this

) nwholesome situation, the pro-Chinese elements in the · untry, viz. radical intellectuals, trade unionists, journallsts

tc, continued to criticize the Nigerian government for isallowing interaction with socialist countries, including China.

er eminent Nigerians who were on record to have visited ese countries were late Mallam Aminu Kano, Ieader of the

·orthern Elements Progressive Party (NEPU), Prof. (Dr.) Chike 1

• bi, Ieader of the Dynamic Party, and trade unionists, notably nko Yakasai and Saka Bashorun, who professed socialist ndencies. 7

However, this rather odious position as at that time was versed when the Prime Minister in a foreign policy statement the Hause of Representatives (Parliament) on 20'h August, 58, stated inter-aHa:

We shall, of course, endeavour to remain on friendly tcrms with every nation wh1ch recogmses and respects our sovereignty. Besides, weshall not blindly follow the l~ad of anyona. So far as possible, the policy for each occasion will be selected with proper independent objectivity in Nigeria's national inter~st. We consider it wrang for the Federal Gow.!rmngnt to associatg itself as a matter of routine with any of the power blocs. This freedom of action will be an essential feature of our foreign policy, and will ensure that full attention is paid to the opinion expressed by our Representatives (in Parliament).s

This statement has been deliberately quoted because it is ill germane to our foreign policy posture. Furthermore, the bogey of communism and fear of "Soviet

omination" was finally laid to rest when the Prime Minister, uring another foreign policy debate in the Hause of epresentatives (Parliament) on 241h and 25th November, 1960 fter Independence on 1st October, 1960), categorically stated at

6 Xigc-rla-Cimw Fordgn Relations ( J 960 - J 999)

\\'Q da not beliQW that the policy to block the entire Red China from admission into the United Nations is the right one. We do not believe it because it is unfair and unwise to leave out 650 million people (now 1.3 billion) in the World Assembly. Nigeria is going to see to it that Red China is admitted into the United Nations Organisation (UN0).9

And Nigeria did so through steadfast support, in words deeds, in the United Nations and its specialised agencies.

True to type, late Hon. (Dr) Jaja Wachuku, former Min of Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth Relations, i subsequent debate on foreign policy in the HousE Representatives also reported that when the question aros the General Assembly of the United Nations as to whethe not the subject of admission of Red China should be inscri' on the Agenda for debate, he simply voted in favour of motion. But when some Western powers questioned his ac1

he responded thus: Look thiS tantamounts to intellectual imperialism if you will not aiJow us to think and vote the way we like in accordance with our Foreign Policy. What is the use coming here (United

Nations). 10

Unfortunately, this steadfast support for the Fede Government was slightly eroded du ring the Nigerian Civil" (1967- 1970) when Red China flirted with some radi< elements or groups in the breakaway region dubbed "Biafr2 And because of the financial and material support given tot Federal Government by Western powers and the Soviet Unio the balance of power in the crisis tilted in favour of the Feder Government of Nigeria. ln effect, Red China was reacting~ aspects of the foreign policies of those countries it considere. inimical to its own vital interests in Nigeria. l

Even though Red China was suspected of sending weapo.i through surrogates in East Africa viz. Tanzania and Zambia i Biafra, she fell short of recognising IIBiafra" essentially beca~

I i Brtef Hl>torical Overvtew 7

she had friends on both sides of the divide and did not wish to be seen as supporting the fragmentation of Nigeria. 11

It was also in this spirit that the Federal Government continued to maintain contact and support for Red China to occupy the Chinese seat illegally occupied by the so-called iRepublic of China (or Taiwan) in the United Nations ·;Organisation system. No doubt this positionwas based on the principle of universality of membership of United Nations Organisation (UNO) and appreciation of the fact that it was still wrang to deny Red China (People's Republic of China) of the membership of the United Nations Organisation (UNO). In fact, Nigeria took this consistent position fron1 the early 1960s - 1970s, and considered the derogation from the principle of 'Jniversality as a threat to international peace and security. 12

It was, therefore, proper that this mutually friendly disposition )lossomed into the establishment of diplomatic relations, at imbassadorial Ievel, on 10th February, 1971. Whilst China vasted no time in opening a full-fledged Embassy of the 'eople's Republic of China in Lagos, on 6'h April, 1971, it took ~igeria several months to do the same in Beijing in October 971. And so, this 28-year old mutualiy reinforcing and ewarding relationship between both cou ntries began in arnest.

Not es

Paper on Sino-Africa Relations presented during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of NICAF on 22nd July, 1996 by Mr Chidi Chibundu.

China: Factsand Figures, 1997.

Speech on China-Nigeria Relations by Mr Lu Fengding, former Ambassador of the People's Republic of China in Nigeria; an 17th September, 1998 published by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, Lagos.

,. 10.China Fore1gn Relations (1960 - 1 999)

~ "': United Nations Information Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos.

4. Chapter2: "Breaking New Ground" (1958-59) in Ch~1;

5. Policy in Africa ( 1958-71} by Professor Alaba Ogunsarr.~ published by Cambridge University Press. I

Nigeria Speaks: A Collection of Speeches by late Pr~; 6· Minister Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Speech:

"A Passport For Kuti" on 3rd March, 1958. 1

Chapter 5: "Darkening Clouds: The Cultural Revolu&J 7· in China's Policy in Africa (1958-71) by Professor AJa;

Qgunsanwo published by Cambridge University, Pr~

8. Se Ieeted Foreign Policy Statements ( 1960 - 196: Published by the Ministry of External Affairs, Lagos.;

9. Jbid. l

10. /bid.

11. Chapter 5: Darkening Clouds: The Cultural Revolut~ in China's Policy in Africa (1958 -71) by Prof Aia; Ogunsanwo, published by Cambridge University, Pr~

12. Nigeria at the United Nations- PartnershipForA B~ Wor/d: The United Nations System, published by Th. World Publishers (A Division of Okpaku Communica& Co. Ud.)

cnapter 11

Political Cooperation

Nigeria and China have a Iot of things in common. Both countries fought feudalism, imperialism and colonialism prior o independence. Whilst the main religious beliefs in Nigeria

are Islam, Christianity, and Atheism, those in China are Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. One in every four persans in Africa is a Nigerian and one in every three persans in Asia is a Chinese. One in every five black men/wornen in the world is a Nigerian, whilst one in every four persans in the world is a .Chinese. Nigeria with a population of 110 million people is the most populous country in Africa. while China's population · of 1.3 billion people is secend to none in the world. Nigeria is endowed with abundant and assorted rnineral resources, whilst all known minerat resources in the world abound in China.

In spite of unwholesome military incursions into Nigeria's democratic process. she ren1ains the de facto Ieader in the West African sub-region in particular, and Africa in general, whilst China has for a lang tin1e been classified and acknowledged as a po\.ver in global politics. Suffice it to say, therefore. that Nigeria and China have several great attributes which infornl the necd for streng ties and are den1ographic giants in their O\.vn rights. lt is for these reasons that their views on international affairs can not just be discounted or ignored in the con1ity of nations. Hence, they have a Iot to gain. and nothing to lose in sharing experiences and fastering mutual cooperation

No\v Iet us see ho\.v both countries have fared at the political Ievel over the years It should be recalled that they established diploinatic relations at an1bassadoriallevel on the basis of the follo\.'-··ing five principles of peaceful co-existence. otherwise kno\.vn as Panch Shilla·

9

10 Nigeria-China Fore1gn 1\c.:-•u .. .., •• _ , ___ _

1. Mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integri~.l 2. Non-aggression ~;

3. Non-interference in each other's internal affairs i 4_ Equality and mutual benefit and 5. PeacefuJ co-existence

and other universally accepted norms of internati~ diplomacy and law which govern inter-state relationship.t ~~ interesting to observe that du ring the brief cere.mony to h~ the occasion of establishing diplomatic relations, the Min~ of External Affairs stated that "the Federal Governmenn Nigeria recognised the Government of the People's Repu~ of China as the sole legal government representing the e~ Chinese people," whiJst the Chinese representative pled~ on behalf of their Government, "to solidly support Afrid, countries in general, and Nigeria in particular. 2 Both coun~ have observed these time-honeured principles over time. i

As third world countries, Nigeria and China see thi relationship as mutually reinforcing. ConsequentJy, ~ support each other in the deliberations of allinternational fc; to which they belang, viz, the United Nations and its specia~ agencies.

Similarly, they are great advocates of South-Soti Cooperation as a means of achieving a new internatior! economic order which has so far been unattainable or efudi the international community.

Whilst China respects and admires Nigeria' s non-aligri foreign policy application, Nigeria remains a staunch suppor~: of ''One China" policy, that the Republic of China (Taiwar..; an inalienable part of China, and that the Government oft People's Republic of China is the onJy Jegitimate Governrm of China. Although the Republic of China (Taiwan) was albi to establish a trade office in Lagos with a branch in Calard. known as "Trade Mission of Taipei" by the Interim Natiorl

Polilica/ Cooperatwn 11

Government (ING) of Chief {Dr.) Ernest Shonekan in 1993, it did not confer diplomatic status, in spite of the pretentions of their so-called "representative" in Nigeria. In fact, the substantive Head of the Office, was designated and addressed as "Head of the Trade Office of Taipei", while other officers were described as "Trade Officers". Consequently, they were not entitled to diplomatic privileges.3 See copies of Notes (Nos D. 119/94 of 10th March, 1994 and M.338/94 of 7th July, 1994), issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abu ja to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China and All Diplomatie Missions Accredited to Nigeria in Appendices 1 and 1A respectively.

Nigeria fully supported the return of Hang Kong to the People's Republic of China in July, 1997, in keeping with the enabling treaties with Britain and has since transformed its "Commission" or Office there to a Consulate-General in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963. lt should be noted that Nigeria has, since the establishment of the "Commission/Office", regarded Hang Kong as a trading post rather than a diplomatic mission and a window in the Far East. In fact, several diplomatic missions in Beijing still use Hang Kong as transit for exchange of diplomatic bags and take that opportu nity to purchase or shop for essential commodities which are either not available or over-priced in China. The trip is always regarded as a treat for over-worked diplomats, including ambassadors or heads of mission resident in China, who undertake this "honourable" assignment.

Moreover, Nigeria still supports the Joint Declaration of the Government of the People's Republic of China and Government of the Republic of Fbrtugal signed on 13th April, 1987, und er which China will peacefully resume sovereignty over Macau on 2Qih December 1999, after 400 years of Fbrtuguese rule.4 In fact, Mr Edmund Ho Han\vah, has already been chosen to take up the job of Chief Executive Officer when Macau returns to China. Uke Hong Kong, Macau will become a special administrative

12 Xigerw-CJuna Fon!l}!.ll w:w ...... J , •• _ _ •

region of China, enjoying a high degree of autonomy an-: governed on the basis of "One China" policy. Nigeria, therefore .. appreciates the systematic manner in which the transitio:~ programme is being administered without rancour or acrimony

Nigeria and China also subscribe to the principles anc· purposes of the United Nations Charter, and support the nee( for more equitable representation in the organs of the Unitec. Nations Organisation (UNO), especially the Security Council~

The other major factors which triggered off this mutuaL\ rewarding relationship were the spate of exchange of visits a: various Ievels of the public and private sectors in both countries:

On the Nigerian side, it should be recalled that as soon a-: the Prime Minister unlocked the gate against contacts betweet Nigeria and socialist countries, including China in 1960, a high-: powered Federal Government economic delegation led by latt­Chief Festus Okotie Eboh, then Federal Minister of FinancE visited the Soviel Union and China in 1961.6 The visit Wa!.

generally regarded as an important deliberate step taken b~ the Federal Government to reduce Nigeria 's dependence or Western countries, and to raise the volun1e and value of tradt with Eastern countries and China.

Another important visit to China was undertaken by late Dr Okoi Arikpo, then f'ederal Commissioner for External Affairs. in 1973, \.vhich preceded the State visit of General )'akubl Gowon, former Head of State, in Septen1ber, 1974, essential~,· to demoostrate the non-aligned foreign policy of the Feder~ Government. The Communique signed at the end of the visi( endorsed, inter alias, the friendly ties bel\veen both countries1

It is also an record that late Brigadier Shehu Musa Yar'adua then ~~ief ~f Staff.' Supreme Headquarters (SHQ), \.Vas receivecl n BetJmg m Apnl. 1979 by his counterpatt ~1r Geng s· , lurin~ which they exchanged vicws on a number of iss~: 1.cludmg the rt'st~~lctunng of t~e Nig~ria Railways by ChineSt xperts. ln part~eular, both s1des 51911 )d an ag

~.:: reement on

i

j fl,, bilateral cooperation in agriculture, trade and industry8•

Politicnl Cooperation 13

~

·r~· A couple of years later, Dr Alex Ekwueme, former Vice-:J~, President during the Secend Republic, visited China and held y; discussions with Mr. Hu Yaobang, General Secretary of the ti Communist Party of China as weil as the Premier, Mr Zhao ·i Ziyang. 9 The visit was intended to demonstrate the ~ ~ preparedness of the Federal Government to work with the ~ Government of the People's Republic of China in spite of the I much dreaded socialist tendencies and communism.

A military delegation led by a former ?resident, then Major­General Ibrahim Babangida, as Chief of Army Staff, also paid an official visit to China in May, 1985. The visit resulted in the purchase of arms and amrnunition, and collaboration in the manufacture of light arn1s between the appropriate agencies of both countries. 10

It is, therefore, interesting to note that since the establishme:1t of diplomatic relations between both countries, every regime in Nigeria deemed it proper to send delegations to deliberate with Chinese leadership and emphasize the desirability of maintaining cordial relationship with that country.

In consequence, several Federal Ministers, n1ernbers of parliament (both the Senate and Hause of Representatives), armed forces personne I (Arrny, Navy and Airforce), Federal Governn1ent parastatals, youth organisations, organised private sector, chan1bers of con1merce, Institute of International Affairs Oust to rnention a few) follo\.ved the trail already blazed, at the invitation of their Chinese counterparts - all geared towards lostering good relations in matters of n1utual interest within their Ievels of con1petence.

In more recent times. the former Head of State, Chief ( Dr.) Ernest Shonekan during the Interim National Government (ING) in 1993 paid an official visit to China in October, 1996. after his appointment as Chairman of Vision 2010. to study China's Economic Development and Vision 2010 policies and

l.J Nigena-Ciuna Fore1gn J(eJauu",J 11 "v.., • , , '/

programmes. Other dignitaries who also visited China ir, furtherance of matters within their respective portfolios includeq late Major-General I. Gumel, former Federal Minister o! Transport-on the rehabilitation of the Nigeria Railway Systern, Chief Tom Ikimi, former Minister of Foreign Affairs - durins the Third Session of the Nigeria-China Joint Commission, Chie! Jim Nwobodo, former Federal Minister of Youth and Sports .. to negotiate cognate matters, Prof. I. Hagher, Federal Minister of State for Power and Steel- for cooperation in matters related to electricity and steel, Dr. Walter Ofonagoro, former Federa] Minister of Information and Culture - to negotiate the implementation of the Programme for Cultural matters11

, etc. - all of which had tremendous bearing on the agreements, accords, memoranda of understanding (MOU) etc, subsequently signed by the Ieaders of delegations of both countries.

Another high-level military delegation led by Genera! Abdulsalami Abubal<ar, (rtd), former Head of State, but in the capacity of Chief of Army Staff, visited China in 1997 to consider with his counterpart ways and means to strengthen military cooperation. Besides, the former Chief of General Staff, Admiral Okhai Mike Akhigbe {rtd), visited China whilst serving as Chief of Naval Staff in 1998. Iv1oreover, between °

1997 - 1998, several teams of course participants, including the Directing Staff in the National War College, Abu ja, visited 0

China, as part of their World Study tour. This was essentially because China affered rdevant facilities for the training of the · ~igerian Armed Forces personnel. But the courses made ~vailable to them were mainly short term training courses, :onducted for 3-12 months, which were nonetheless considered 1ery adequate and beneficial to a number of the officers.

President General Olusegun Obasanjo, even feit obliged as >resident-elect, to pay two days official visit to China in April · 999, to reassure the host authorities that Nigeria would.

Polillcal Coopera/1011 15 rl j continue to uphold its "One China" policy as weil as increase 11 areas of collaboration with China during his tenure. He also 1, informed them that there was no way China could be ignored ~ in the political equations of international politics. In response, i: President Jiang Zemin expressed appreciation for the remarks, ,: and affirmed that China also would continue to support African

1, countries in general, and Nigeria in particular, as a 1natter of 1 principle. 12

. In furtherance of the spirit of mutual co-operation, there ; was hardly any visit from the public or private sector of Nigeria ·. that did not provoke reciprocal visit from the opposite number ·.in China.

Mr. Fang Yi, former Minister of Foreign Trade And Economic Cooperation (MOFTEC) visited Nigeria in 1972. The visit

: provided an opportunity for signing the first econotnic, scientific and technical cooperation agreement as weil as a trade

: agreement. The former Vice-Premier, Mr Geng Biao, also = visited Nigeria in October, 1978. Another forn1er Vice-Pren1ier, Mr Tian Jiyun, was the guest of the Federal Government du ring a friendly visit in 1981.

Several other business visits by high ranking Chinese authorities subsequently took place. It is also on record that, in recent years, the Chinese Vice Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Qian Qichen, paid a goodwill visit to Nigeria in 1995. This was followed in 1996, by a high-level Chinese delegation led by the State Counsellor and Secretary-General of the State Council, Mr. Luo Gan. Similarly, a tearn of Chinese engineers from the China Civil Engineering Construction Cerparation (CCECC) visited Nigeria in 1996 for on-the-spot assessment of the Nigeria Railway project. 13 Aga in in January, 1997, a delegation from the China Import and Export Commodities Inspection Commission, hosted by the Federal Ministry of Commerce and Tourism, visited Nigeria to discuss incessant complaints of sub-standard Chinese commodities

16 Nigeria-Chma Foreign Relations ( 1960 - 1999)

exported to Nigeria. The Assistant Minister of Foreign 1~; and Economic Cooperation, Mr Yang Wensheng, visited N-J in February, 1997. Besides, officials of the Ministr:.1 Supervision of China held discussions with the Code of Co~ Bureau inAbuja in August, 1997. Andin 1998, U-Generalüj Guanglie, led a 5-man military delegation to Nigeria. The rrj purpese of the visit was to further the existing milit} cooperation between both Armed Forces. 14 !

However, the highest ranking Chinese Officer ever to ·~f Nigeria, was His Excellency, Mr Li Peng, former Premier of~ State Council, as the special guest of late General Sani Abad

I former Head of State, in Abu ja, from 111h-12th May, 1997.1 visit was so important that, at the end, both parties signedj following Iandmark agreements and protocols:- f

1. Agreement for the Reciprocal Promotion and Prote~ of Investments; [

2. Protocol an Cooperation in Electric Power Projectj Nigeria; I

3. Protocol an Bilateral Cooperation in Steel Industry1

4. Oil lndustry Cooperation Agreement. [

The Press Release an the occasion of this epoch-making offii and goodwill visit is in Appendix II because of its significar~; which gave both parties the opportunity to review the gro·.;~ of friendly relations and cooperation since the establishm~ of diplomatic ties between both countries in 1971. 15

Incidentally, the former Premier of the State Council, r: Excellency Mr Li Peng, was elected the Chairman of r National People's Congress (Parliament) in March, 1998, a~. was replaced by His Excellency, Mr. Zhu Rongji as the Prerr.­of the State Council. 16

Not es

Press Release by Ministry of External Affairs, Lagos in January 1971.

lbid. Note Verbal No. D 119/94 of 10 March, 1994 and Note No. M.338/94 of 7rr. July, 1994, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China and All Diplomatie Missions Accredited to Nigeria.

China, Factsand Figures, 1997.

Selected Foreign Policy Statements ( 1960-1964), published by the Ministry of External Affairs. Lagos.

China 's Policy in Africa 1958-71: Chapter on Adjustment And Reappraisal ( 1960-1962) by Prof. Alaba Ogunsanwo

h. published by Cambridge University Press.

7. Press Release by Ministry of External AffC\irs, Lagos.

8. uNigeria's New Diplomacy, in The Guardian" Monday, 13th October, 1997, by Ambassadur Olu Sanu.

9. Journal on Foreign Affairs: .. Nigeria And China Relations", 21•t November, 1985, written by Prof. A. Gambari.

10. lbid.

11. China-Nigeria Relations: Speech by His Excellency, Mr. Lu Fengding, former Ambassador of the People's Republic of China in Nigeria on 17th September, 1998.

12. The Guardian, Lagos, 13th April, 1999

· 13. An Address by the Assistant Director, Foreign Service Academy to Nigeria-China Friendship Association on 18th April, 1998.

14. The Guardian, Lagos, 28:11 November, 1998.