China, Nigeria should unite to strengthen bilateral cooperation – Yuqing

By Sunday Ani

The Consul General of China in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, has urged China and Nigeria to stand together to strengthen bilateral cooperation, saying the two countries were at a pivotal moment in the redefinition of their comprehensive strategic partnership.

She made the call in her speech titled, ‘Remembering history, cherishing peace and shaping a better future for humanity together,’ to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

She stressed that the two countries should uphold unity and self-reliance, stand firm on the right side of history, and actively guide the direction of the times. She added: “We must leverage the strength and resilience of China-Africa relations to confront global uncertainties and jointly lead the Global South towards solidarity and progress.

“Today, while regional conflicts still persist, the mission of peace remains ever vital. Let us learn from history, hold firm in our convictions, seize the opportunities for peace and development, and join hands to write a new chapter in China-Nigeria and China-Africa friendship and cooperation.

“This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. It also commemorates the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s recovery and the founding of the United Nations. At this historically significant moment, I join Chinese compatriots in Nigeria and friends from all sectors of Nigerian society in remembering the past, honouring the heroes who gave their lives for justice and peace, treasuring our hard-won peace and working together for a brighter future for humanity.

“Looking back eight decades, we must remember that China was the main battlefield in the East during the war. It was the first to resist fascist aggression, the longest to endure and the one that paid the highest price. Facing brutal invasion by Japanese militarism and an unprecedented national crisis, the Communist Party of China played a central role, uniting the nation and leading a massive resistance movement. From the September 18 Incident in 1931, widely considered the first shot of the global anti-fascist war, until Japan’s surrender in 1945, the Chinese people fought for 14 years with great courage and sacrifice. Over 35 million Chinese civilians and soldiers were killed or injured, including more than 3.83 million military personnel. Official property damage and war-related expenditure exceeded US$100 billion, with indirect economic losses reaching US$500 billion.

“Through immense national sacrifice, China upheld the Eastern front of the World Anti-Fascist War and made a decisive contribution to its victory. This not only crushed Japan’s colonial ambitions and defended the heritage of 5,000 years of Chinese civilisation but also safeguarded the Chinese homeland and restored China’s rightful status in the world. In doing so, China earned the respect of peace-loving countries and peoples around the globe.

“At the same time, the victory of the war laid the foundation for a new international order centred around the United Nations Charter. It also catalysed the rise of many emerging and newly independent nations, including Nigeria, which together became a vital force for peace and justice in international relations.

“We must also not forget that China’s war of resistance gained valuable support from people around the world, including many in Africa. Africa was a key battleground and strategic rear area during World War II. Over 1.5 million people from more than 30 African countries joined the front lines. Nearly 100,000 Nigerians enlisted and approximately 2.5 million Africans supported logistics, engineering and supply missions. West Africa’s strategic exports, including palm oil, rubber, cotton and minerals, provided essential support to the allied front. Many Africans even sold traditional crafts to raise funds for the anti-fascist cause. Some of the supplies delivered to Chinese troops via the Burma Road originated in Africa.

“As two major developing countries, China and Nigeria must unite in the face of global turbulence and unprecedented challenges. We must build stronger consensus, deepen cooperation and inject new momentum into China-Nigeria and China-Africa relations, contributing to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. China and Nigeria should stand together to uphold fairness and justice.”