Photos: China holds parade for 80th anniversary of WWII victory
Chinese celebrated the 80th anniversary of the World War II Victory.
The picturesque event was captured in various locations in Beijing.
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
China implementing GGI for Africa, Nigeria community with shared future
Actively Implementing the Global Governance Initiative, Jointly Building a China-Africa and China-Nigeria Community with a Shared Future
(By H.E. Yu Dunhai, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria)
On Sept. 1, 2025, President Xi Jinping solemnly proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus Meeting held in Tianjin, China. With its profound insight into the times, broad humanistic commitment and clear value orientation, this initiative aims to address a pressing subject of our times which has attracted high attention from the international community, namely what kind of global governance system to build and how to reform and improve global governance.
It further contributes Chinese wisdom and proposes a Chinese approach to strengthening and improving global governance, injecting more stability and certainty into a turbulent world.
Today, transformative changes unseen in a century are accelerating across the world, while the lingering gloom of Cold War mentality, hegemonism, and protectionism continues to cast a shadow.
Humanity is confronted with unprecedented challenges as the world enters a new phase of turbulence and transformation, and global governance now stands at a critical juncture.
The world is in greater need of strengthening global governance than ever before, and the GGI comes at an opportune time.
Regarding it as the fundamental guideline to uphold the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter and practice the vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, the GGI seeks to promote the building of a more just and equitable global governance system and work together for a community with a shared future for humanity.
To be more specific, the GGI embodies five core concepts: First, adhere to sovereign equality. All countries, regardless of size, strength or wealth, shall have the right to participate in, make decisions in and benefit from the global governance as equals.
Second, abide by the international rule of law. There shall be no double standards, and the self-defined rules of a few countries must not be imposed upon others.
Third, practice multilateralism.The irreplaceable and crucial role of the United Nations in global governance must be given full play.
Fourth, advocate a people-centered approach. It is essential to ensure that people of all nations jointly participate in global governance and share in its outcomes.
Fifth, focus on taking real actions. More tangible results should be delivered, and global governance should avoid lagging behind the times or becoming fragmented.
The above five core concepts advocated by the GGI are closely aligned with the inherent needs of China-Africa and China-Nigeria cooperation.
Africa, which includes 54 United Nations member states, is the continent with the largest concentration of developing countries.
It is not only an important participant in global governance but also a major force driving global multi-polarization.
Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country and major economy, serves as a critical growth engine on the continent and an influential representative of the Global South.
It is also a key strategic partner for China in Africa. It is fair to say that China-Africa and China-Nigeria cooperation not only enjoy a solid historical foundation but also correspond to practical needs of reforming the global governance system and transforming the global order.
The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations, which represented a pioneering practice by the international community in initiating global governance.
In 1971, African countries strongly supported the restoration of the lawful seat of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations, with Nigeria casting a sacred vote in favour.
This moment marked the beginning of the joint participation of African nations and the People’s Republic of China in global governance.
In 1992, China worked closely with the Group of 77, in which African countries served as a major force, ultimately leading to the incorporation of the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” into the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Since the 21st century, China has actively promoted solutions to address the under-representation of African countries in the United Nations, advocating that the Security Council reform must genuinely reflect international fairness and justice, prioritize correcting historical injustices faced by Africa, and support special arrangements to address Africa’s demands as a priority.
In 2022, China took the lead in explicitly expressing support for the African Union’s accession to the G20 and facilitated the formal admission of the African Union as a member of the G20 the following year.
The Beijing Declaration issued at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024 emphasized that China supports African countries in playing a greater influential role in global governance, particularly within inclusive frameworks addressing global issues, and will continue to support Africa-related priorities in G20 affairs.
China also appreciated and welcomed more African countries joining the BRICS family. Shortly thereafter, Nigeria, with China’s active support, became a BRICS partner country.
China firmly supports Africa’s efforts to enhance its international standing and voice, fully demonstrating the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, and profoundly illustrating China’s role as a major country in promoting the improvement of global governance.
The year 2025 also marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the FOCAC. The FOCAC mechanism itself is a model of the vision of the global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit.
Guided by the principles of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith towards Africa and the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests, China is committed to supporting Africa in advancing its integration and enhancing its capacity for self-driven development.
From the “Ten Cooperation Plans” and the “Eight Major Initiatives” to the “Nine Programs” and the recently launched “Ten Partnership Actions for China-Africa Collaboration on Modernization,” a series of practical cooperation plans have focused on Africa’s priority areas such as infrastructure connectivity, healthcare, agricultural modernization, and capacity building.
This cooperation comes with no political strings attached, emphasizes action-oriented approaches and aims to enhance the “self-development capacity” of African countries, representing a tangible contribution to building a more just and equitable global governance system.
On Sept. 3, 2024, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid a state visit to China and attended the FOCAC Beijing Summit.
The leaders of the two countries jointly announced the elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership and were committed to building a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future.
Over the past year, China-Nigeria relations have achieved rapid growth across all sectors. We have more frequent high-level exchanges, deeper political and strategic trust as well as increasingly substantial outcomes in practical cooperation.
We have supported each other on issues concerning our respective core interests and major concerns, while maintaining sound communication and coordination in international and regional affairs under a results-oriented approach.
We can proudly say that China and Nigeria are setting an exemplary model for South-South cooperation.
In conclusion, Chinese president Xi Jinping has proposed four major initiatives to date: the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), and the Global Governance Initiative (GGI).
Together, these initiatives form the four pillars for building a community with a shared future for mankind.
The GDI focuses on promoting international cooperation on development, the GSI on encouraging dialogue and consultation over international discord, the GCI on promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, and the GGI on the direction, principle and path for reforming the global governance systems and institutions.
The four initiatives have their respective priorities and can be pursued simultaneously. They will each be a source of positive energy for a changing and turbulent world and impetus for humanity’s development and progress.
China is willing to work with African countries, including Nigeria, under the framework of the GGI to promote reforms in the UN Security Council and the international financial system, to make the existing international system and international institutions better at taking actions and working effectively, to step up coordination among multilateral bodies, and to prioritize consensus-building in such areas as the international financial architecture, artificial intelligence, cyberspace, climate change, trade and outer space to bring about early harvests.
The successful practices of China-Africa and China-Nigeria cooperation demonstrate that the GGI embodies strong vitality and broad prospects for development.
Moving forward, China will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with African countries, especially our Nigerian friends, to actively advance the GGI, jointly address global challenges and work toward building a community with a shared future for mankind.(NAN)
Unyielding courage drives China forward
Beijing, Sept. 2, 2025 (Xinhua/NAN) By examining history, one can obtain insight into the future. Commemorating the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War is a good time to reflect on the past and gain strength to carry forward present endeavours.
In 1936, American journalist Edgar Snow took a picture in northwest China: on the dusty Loess Plateau, a young Red Army soldier stood upright, holding a bugle to his lips.
That image, symbolising a rallying call for the nation to unite and fight Japanese aggressors, conveyed to the world a message of unyielding resistance from the East.
Through the arduous and heroic War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression from 1931 to 1945, a great spirit of resistance was formed.
The Chinese people demonstrated to the world the patriotism that every citizen has a responsibility for the nation’s future, the national integrity of being ready to die and never yielding, the heroic spirit of not fearing violence and fighting to the end, and the indomitable and tenacious belief in victory.
When American journalist Agnes Smedley asked General Yang Hucheng in the 1930s if China could truly resist Japan’s tanks and bombers, Yang gave an unwavering answer: “They may have more planes and tanks. But we know we must fight. And when the will is firm, the strength follows.”
Over the 14 grueling years, a nation with limited military and economic resources stood its ground and ultimately prevailed.
Since the Opium War in 1840, China had been the constant target of invasions and bullying from foreign powers.
Victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression marks Chinese people’s first complete victory in national liberation and a historic turning point for the Chinese nation — from the depths of crisis in modern times to the path of great rejuvenation.
Its people are no longer a pile of “loose sand,” but a people of national pride and unity.
The spirit behind the victory is an invaluable asset for the Chinese people. It has inspired and will continue to inspire Chinese people to overcome all difficulties and obstacles in their pursuit of modernisation and national rejuvenation.
It is with this spirit that the country established a complete industrial system after the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.
It is with this spirit that China eliminated absolute poverty and lifted nearly 800 million people out of poverty in 40 years since the reform and opening up in the late 1970s.
It is with this spirit that China achieved the feat of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability and became the world’s second-largest economy.
China, a country of 1.4 billion people, has no precedent to follow on its path to modernisation.
When Western observers ask how the Communist Party of China consistently gets things done, the answer is that it is the result of the enduring resolve, unity and perseverance of generations who have embraced self-reliance and sacrifice, and who have had unshakable faith in the power of collective will.
China is in a critical stage of realising its national rejuvenation, during which internal and external difficulties and challenges remain. It has yet to realize complete national reunification.
Externally, the world is undergoing profound changes with tariff and trade wars disrupting global economic order and unilateral bullying challenging multilateral mechanisms. Certain countries are attempting to contain China’s development.
The greater the external pressure, the more important it is to harness spiritual strength.
These challenges and difficulties will inspire the Chinese people to carry forward the unyielding courage, strengthen their conviction and confidence, confront problems head-on and manage their country’s own affairs well.
The victory 80 years ago has since proved a truth time and again: never underestimate China’s potential, resilience and strength.(Xinhua/NAN)
IS
V-Day in China: History speaks to today’s global challenges
When China marks the 80th anniversary of its victory in WWII on Wednesday, the gathering in Tiananmen Square will not be about swagger, but a moment of reflection on the challenges facing the world today.
The occasion is meant to commemorate the immense human cost of a conflict that left over 100 million dead or wounded worldwide. China, in particular, bore a disproportionately heavy toll: over the 14 years of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, it suffered over 35 million casualties and vast swaths of scorched earth.
The country has every reason to observe this milestone. In a battle between justice and evil, light and darkness, and the progressive and the reactionary, Chinese people fought relentlessly — not only for survival but also for fairness itself.
Their fight — the largest against foreign aggression in modern Chinese history, and one that involved the greatest sacrifice, secured the Chinese people their first complete victory in national liberation and propelled the nation from the depths of crisis onto a path of rejuvenation.
This resistance — the earliest to begin and the longest to endure in the global fight against fascism — belies the Western-centric narrative of a passive China. From 1931 to 1945, China tied down the bulk of Japanese forces and eliminated more than 1.5 million enemy troops, making a historic contribution to the Allied victory over fascism.
Yet Western collective memory has long fixated on the battles of Midway and Normandy, the Holocaust and the Nuremberg Trials. China’s grinding campaigns and sacrifices, which underpinned Allied victory in the East, have often faded into obscurity.
The day of commemoration is a timely prompt to set the record straight: some continue to shun their wartime atrocities; others erase decisive actors from the narrative; still others blur the very divides of the conflict, through reckless amnesia or sly wordplay.
To forget is to betray, and to deny is to tempt repetition. Eighty years on, it is imperative to confront the past in its entirety, unclouded by ideological bias or geopolitical calculation. Victory counts more if it prevents the need to fight for another one.
China’s remembrance is more than a look back; it is a reminder of what happens when unilateralism and power politics run amok. The most significant decision made by the world at the end of WWII was the creation of the UN.
Founded on postwar consensus including sovereign equality and the peaceful settlement of disputes, the UN remains the most representative and authoritative intergovernmental organisation on the planet.
The UN-centered international system has kept major-power hot wars largely at bay while underwriting decades of global prosperity. Yet, today, the organisation’s role in global peace and security has been challenged.
The world cannot afford a return to the darker days when the powerful were allowed to prey upon the weak. In fact, calls for an equal, orderly, and multipolar world — and for economic globalisation that is inclusive and universally beneficial — are growing louder.
Upholding the postwar framework is not an exercise in nostalgia; it is an investment in multilateralism and predictability, which are essential for global stability, growth and security.
This year’s commemoration also harks back to the solidarity of 80 years ago — when many countries set aside divisions and ideological differences to unite against fascism.
Such an ethos is very much needed today. The world faces a confluence of challenges: regional conflicts that defy easy resolution, a sluggish and uneven global economy, and the relentless march of climate change, to name just a few.
In this interconnected reality, no country can tackle these challenges alone. Nor can anyone expect to thrive by exploiting others’ hardship. Unity and cooperation remain the only viable way forward.
China’s advocacy for a community with a shared future for humanity, along with its global initiatives regarding development, security and civilisation, helps recalibrate global governance along the lines of fairness and justice.
For China, Wednesday’s commemoration carries particular significance. During the crucible of the Japanese invasion, few expected that a poor agrarian country could prevail over a mechanised invader, and fewer still foresaw the rise of the Communist Party of China (CPC) from a state of siege and adversity.
To underestimate China’s resilience today would be equally unwise. The country, under CPC leadership, is well-positioned to overcome challenges on its journey toward rejuvenation, whether they come in the form of trade barriers or technological containment.
Going forward, China will remain strategically steadfast, focus on its core priorities, and advance high-standard opening-up.
Much like its wartime contribution, China’s rise today continues to shape the world for the better.
The world’s second-largest economy has driven over 30 per cent of global growth for years. It has signed Belt and Road cooperation documents with over 150 countries and more than 30 international organisations, laying the path toward deeper connectivity and expanded opportunities.
China’s breakthroughs in fields from artificial intelligence and robotics to pharmaceuticals are drawing global attention. What was once the preserve of a few Western powers is shifting toward a more multipolar, shared model of global innovation.
These developments have added certainty to an unsettled world, tightening economic interdependence and nudging nations toward greater openness and friendly cooperation.
China’s millennia-old instinct for harmony, coupled with a long-standing military philosophy that emphasises prudence in the use of force, informs its strategic outlook. Its armed forces, shaped by the CPC’s commitment to the people and tempered by wartime experience, are disciplined, measured and purposeful. They are increasingly a counterweight to adventurism.
A country that rose from the ashes of war has become an anchor in a world of drastic change. Few tributes could better honour the hard-won victory over fascism 80 years ago.(Xinhua/NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
Xi says China always a trustworthy partner of UN
China will always be a trustworthy partner of the United Nations (UN), Chinese President Xi Jinping said when meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Xi said this in a meeting with Guterres, who is attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2025 in Tianjin on Saturday.
“China is willing to deepen cooperation with the UN, support the UN in playing a central role in international affairs, and jointly shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding world peace and promoting development and prosperity.”
Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the 80th founding anniversary of the UN, Xi said history has revealed that multilateralism, solidarity and cooperation are the right answer to global challenges.
Xi called for restoring the UN’s authority and vitality under new circumstances, so that it can serve as the main platform for all countries to coordinate actions and jointly address challenges.
In a world of profound changes unseen in a century, China has provided stability and certainty and will continue to bring new opportunities to the world with its new development, Xi said.(Xinhua/NAN)
China’s V-Day commemorations are a call for world peace
The upcoming V-Day military parade in Beijing will be a significant occasion to demonstrate China’s determination, will and capacity to resolutely safeguard its national sovereignty, security and development interests, and to firmly uphold world peace.
The parade on Sept. 3 will highlight the Chinese military’s recent advancements in modernisation. It is an important part of the country’s commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
Eighty years after the end of World War II, the global peace deficit is increasing markedly due to geopolitical conflicts, hegemony and unilateralism, among other challenges. Humanity now stands at a crossroads, encountering a stark choice: dialogue or confrontation, win-win cooperation or zero-sum games.
Against the backdrop of this worrying and uncertain international situation, the anniversary of the victory offers a pivotal moment for all to learn from history and work together to build a future free from the scourge of devastating wars.
A capable builder and upholder of global peace, China stands ready to firmly safeguard the post-WWII international order and defend international fairness and justice together with other countries.
From the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, China has been actively promoting peace by putting forward and implementing global initiatives focused on development, security and civilization. These initiatives have won widespread support and participation, and have contributed significantly to boosting shared prosperity and world peace.
Peace is vital for the prosperity and well-being of all peoples, and requires the efforts of all.
The international community must act to build and cherish a world steeped in harmony rather than hostility. The historical tragedies should never be repeated, any resurgence of militarism and fascism must be opposed, and seeking solutions through the barrels of loaded guns should be abandoned.
China was the main theater in the East of the World Anti-Fascist War. The Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression from 1931 to 1945 was the first to break out in the world war, and it lasted the longest. The war caused over 35 million Chinese military and civilian casualties, including more than 300,000 people killed by Japanese troops in the Nanjing Massacre.
The traumatic experiences of war make Chinese people value peace all the more. Among those to participate in the V-Day parade are China’s peacekeepers. China is the largest contributor of peacekeeping troops among the permanent members of the UN Security Council. The stronger China grows, the more secure the world will be.
The Chinese nation will not allow itself to be humiliated or bullied again, as it was by imperialist powers in the past. Following a national defense policy that is defensive in nature, China has never infringed upon an inch of land that belongs to another country, and its leadership has repeatedly declared that the country will never seek hegemony or expansion.
China is advancing its modernization — characterized by a peaceful development path — and striving for a peaceful, stable global environment in cooperation with the international community.
As the world is turning its eyes to Beijing, the grand V-Day commemorations convey a crystal clear message: it’s time to work as one to build a world of lasting peace and universal security.(Xinhua/NAN)
China donates $1m to support Nigeria’s flood victims
By Sarafina Christopher/ Nana Musa
China has donated one million dollars to Nigeria in support of people affected by the recent devastating floods across the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the support was provided at a ceremony for the signing of exchange of notes with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to formalise the cash assistance grant in Abuja on Wednesday.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Yu Dunhai, expressed China’s solidarity with Nigeria “during this difficult time”, noting that both countries have recently faced natural disasters.
“We would like to express our deep condolences for the people who lost their lives and also express our support.
“Actually, almost at the same time, China is also suffering from floods. In times of difficulty, China and Nigeria always stand together,” he said.
He stressed that the assistance testifies to China’s confidence in Nigeria’s resilience, saying: “We are very confident that under the strong leadership of the Federal Government, and with the quality and efforts of all the people, Nigeria will overcome this difficulty and rebuild their homes in the near future.”
Yu further highlighted the broader direction of China-Nigeria relations, describing the ties as grounded in mutual respect and equality.
He acknowledged the robust progress recorded between the two countries in the areas of trade, investment, multilateral cooperation, and people-to-people exchange.
“As ambassador, I am happy that our comprehensive strategic partnership has been developing on a fast track.
“Just two months ago, President Xi Jinping announced zero-tariff treatment on 400 per cent of tariff lines for African countries with diplomatic ties to China, including Nigeria.
“This will boost Nigeria’s exports to China, create more jobs, and support economic development,” he said.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, stated that the assistance was particularly timely as it is targeted at communities in states most affected by recent floods.
He said that the intervention would go a long way towards complementing government’s ongoing efforts at providing relief materials and rebuilding the livelihoods of people in severely impacted areas.
“I wish to emphasise that the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, in collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), will coordinate the effective implementation of this project.
“A transparent framework, leveraging past experiences and unified templates, will guide the process to ensure that the assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries in the most efficient and impactful manner.
“Furthermore, the government fully welcomes the joint monitoring and evaluation mechanism agreed with the Embassy of China.
“This will ensure transparency and accountability, promote learning, and strengthen our partnership in humanitarian and development cooperation,” Bagudu said.
The minister said the humanitarian support was not only a demonstration of China’s goodwill, but also a testimony of the growing cooperation between the two nations in areas such as trade, infrastructure, technology, agriculture, and now, disaster relief.
“It is our firm belief that today’s signing ceremony will open new windows of collaboration that will deepen our strategic partnership for the mutual benefit of our people.
” I assure you that the government remains committed to working closely with the embassy of China to guarantee the successful implementation of this project.
“We look forward to further consolidating our friendship through initiatives that promote prosperity, resilience, and sustainable development.
“On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I wish to convey our profound appreciation to the Government of China for this act of friendship and solidarity.
“This gesture is a reflection of the long-standing bilateral relations between our two dear countries, built on mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared vision for sustainable development.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)*
Nigeria, China partnership key to industrialisation- NCSP
By Angela Atabo
The Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral collaboration between Nigeria and China as part of efforts to drive Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic growth.
NCSP Director-General Joseph Tegbe made this known in a statement issued in Abuja after a media interactive session.
He underscored NCSP’s role as a critical enabler, fostering productive partnerships between Nigerian stakeholders and Chinese business leaders.
Tegbe also highlighted the NCSP’s ongoing commitment to coordinating investments, facilitating stakeholder engagements, and ensuring due diligence to guarantee that Nigeria and China collaborations yield tangible, long-term benefits.
He reiterated NCSP’s mandate to steer the implementation of projects under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, while also pursuing additional partnerships beyond the formal agreements.
“Our focus is to ensure that Nigeria not only implements Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) — a platform for strengthening political and economic ties between China and African nations established in 2000.
“We are paving the way for Nigerian products to gain access to Chinese and broader Asian markets while accelerating the execution of strategic, game-changing national development projects later this year.
“Following the elevation of Nigeria-China relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership and the establishment of the NCSP, Nigeria has recorded significant milestones in key sectors,” he said.
According to Tegbe, recent engagements have secured more than 20 billion dollars in investment commitments, focusing on critical sectors such as agriculture, automotive manufacturing, mining, steel production, and energy.
He said these investments were set to boost food security, create jobs, and drive a new wave of industrial development in the country.
He also said that the NCSP’s activities aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at fast-tracking national development and positioning Nigeria as Africa’s industrial powerhouse.
He said his desire is to continue to bridge policy and execution by coordinating efforts across government agencies, the private sector, and diplomatic entities.
This, Tegbe said, was to ensure Nigeria maximises its trade and investment relations with China for sustainable economic advancement.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kayode Olaitan
Zimbabwe advances knowledge-driven industrialisation with strategic China partnership
Zimbabwe has called on Chinese investors and partners aligned with China’s global development vision to help accelerate its transition to a knowledge-based, resource-driven industrial economy.
Prof. Amon Murwira, the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, outlined the policy shift, according to a report by The Herald, a partner of TV BRICS.
“Zimbabwe is open for business. Under this transformative vision, we are ready to engage and foster robust socio-economic partnerships with the People’s Republic of China,” Murwira said.
The Zimbabwean foreign minister reaffirmed the strong diplomatic and economic ties between Zimbabwe and China, which have been elevated to “five-star ironclad” status, signifying a deepened strategic alliance and shared development objectives.
This elevation follows the consensus reached between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and President Xi Jinping during their meeting in September 2024.
To facilitate deeper economic cooperation, Murwira highlighted several bilateral frameworks already in place.
These include a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement and Memoranda of Understanding on economic development cooperation, trade facilitation, and investment coordination.
These instruments aim to improve regulatory clarity, streamline procedures, and enhance investor confidence.
Officials also detailed plans to establish a vertically integrated industrial cluster that includes coal mining, power generation, and steel production.
The goal is to create the largest and most advanced metallurgical hub in Africa. (TV BRICS/NAN)
Edited by Emmanuel Yashim
China inaugurates international day for dialogue among civilisations
By Sarafina Christopher
The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has inaugurated the International Day of Dialogue Among Civilisations to foster global understanding and cooperation through mutual learning among developing countries.
Mr Zhang Yi, Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, disclosed this in Abuja while highlighting the role of communication and mutual respect in building a harmonious world.
According to him, a resolution proposed by China was adopted at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, designating June 10 as the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilisations.
This resolution emphasises that all achievements of civilisations are part of humanity’s shared heritage, and advocating respect for diverse civilisations.
It also highlights the significance of dialogue in fostering peace, development, well-being, and collective progress.
Zhang added that establishing this day reflects China’s commitment to the Global Civilisation Initiative introduced by President Xi Jinping.
He said that it also marks a significant contribution to global dialogue, peace, and development.
“As we face escalating global challenges and deficits in peace, development, security, and governance, this new International Day aligns with current international trends and addresses contemporary needs.
“This year also commemorates the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations.
“During this significant moment in history, the necessity for mutual dialogue among civilisations to enhance understanding and trust, promote people-to-people connections,
“It also encourages unity and cooperation, and achieving common development is increasingly crucial,” he said.
He said that the theme for this year’s event, “Dialogue & Zhi yin: Beyond Borders, Connecting Hearts: Dialogue with the World through Music,” emphasises music’s power as a universal language.
“In traditional Chinese culture, “Zhī yǐn” symbolises deep mutual understanding and true friendship, which can only be attained through sincere dialogue,” he said.
Zhang reiterated China’s willingness to partner with Nigeria to seize this opportunity for enhancing cooperation across culture, tourism, education, and the creative economy.
He emphasised the need for collaboration to build a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future.
Dr Mukhtar Yawale, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, noted that this inaugural event was a beacon of hope.
Yawale said that it reminded peoples that culture serves as the compass guiding a world yearning for connection.
“This dialogue transcends cultural boundaries, acting as the engine of our creative economy.
“The achievements we’ve made together such as the Abuja Light Rail project, the Lekki Free Trade Zone, and the increasing popularity of Nollywood films in China illustrate that these ventures are not just transactions but transformations.”
Yawale also said that Nigerian digital artists are collaborating with Shenzhen tech hubs, while fashion designers blend traditional Ankara styles with Shanghai’s innovative trends.
“This is the future we envision; a creative economy where dialogue transforms into tangible opportunities. When civilisations converse, they do not merely exchange ideas; they co-create their destinies,” he said.
He also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening this covenant between civilisations.
“We are set to launch the ‘Nigeria-China Creative Corridor’, a platform for joint ventures in film, music, AI-driven art, and heritage preservation.
“Through scholarships, artist residencies, and co-production agreements, we aim to ensure that dialogue breeds enterprise, and enterprise elevates nations,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event attracted diplomats from Cuba, Argentina, Lebanon, Iraq and cultural ambassadors, and local leaders.
The highlight of the event were music and dance performances by Nigerian and Chinese artists.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
