CPC at 105: Chinese Envoy pledges deeper Nigeria ties

Yu Dunhai, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, has attributed China’s transformation into the world’s second-largest economy to the leadership of the Communist Party of China, while reaffirming Beijing’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Nigeria.

In a message marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, observed on July 1, the ambassador said the ruling party had remained faithful to its founding mission of national rejuvenation and people-centred development, enabling China to achieve what he described as the “twin miracles” of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability.

Yu noted that over the past century, the CPC had guided China through a historic transformation from a nation weakened by foreign aggression and internal instability into a global economic powerhouse and a major driver of international growth.

According to him, the Party’s leadership has been the fundamental factor behind China’s success in revolution, reform and modernization.

He said many international observers often seek to understand the reasons behind China’s remarkable development, stressing that the answer lies primarily in the CPC’s leadership and its commitment to pursuing a development path tailored to China’s national realities.

The ambassador argued that China’s development experience demonstrates that modernization does not necessarily follow the Western model.

He said the CPC had forged a distinct path to modernization based on China’s unique circumstances, offering developing countries alternative options for pursuing economic growth and national development.

According to Yu, China’s experience shows that countries should pursue development strategies that reflect their own realities rather than copying foreign models or relying excessively on external assistance.

He identified four major pillars that have shaped China’s development under the CPC.

The first, he said, is the Party’s long-standing commitment to independence and self-reliance, which has enabled China to determine its own development trajectory.

Secondly, Yu said the CPC has consistently placed the welfare of its citizens at the centre of governance, resulting in significant improvements in living standards.

He highlighted China’s success in eliminating absolute poverty, noting that more than 700 million rural residents had been lifted out of poverty.

The ambassador also pointed to the country’s extensive investments in education, healthcare and social protection, saying China now operates the world’s largest education and social security systems.

He said compulsory education enrollment has approached universal coverage, while basic medical insurance now serves more than 1.3 billion people and nearly one billion citizens benefit from old-age insurance.

According to him, these achievements have significantly improved the quality of life and social security of the Chinese people.

Yu further credited the CPC’s emphasis on self-reform and anti-corruption efforts as another key driver of China’s development.

He said the Party has maintained its vitality through rigorous internal reforms, strict party discipline and sustained campaigns against corruption, helping to strengthen governance and public confidence.

The envoy also highlighted the Party’s commitment to continuous theoretical innovation.

He said the adoption of Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building as a major theoretical framework reflects China’s efforts to strengthen governance and support its long-term modernization goals.

According to Yu, China’s governance philosophy has also informed several international initiatives proposed by Beijing, including global development, security and civilization initiatives aimed at promoting international cooperation and reforming global governance systems.

Reflecting on bilateral relations, the ambassador said China and Nigeria have maintained strong diplomatic ties since establishing formal relations in 1971.

He noted that the two countries have developed a relationship built on political trust, mutual respect and expanding economic cooperation over the past 55 years.

Yu said both countries have consistently supported each other’s core interests and major concerns while strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors.

He cited the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation as one of the major platforms through which China and Nigeria have deepened policy exchanges and governance cooperation.

The ambassador also said China is working to align its 15th Five-Year Development Plan with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda to promote mutually beneficial development initiatives.

He reaffirmed China’s support for Nigeria’s pursuit of a modernization path suited to its own national circumstances and pledged continued cooperation aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians.

Yu also said the CPC and the Chinese government are prepared to deepen exchanges with Nigeria on governance, strengthen strategic communication and expand practical cooperation across various sectors.

He said both countries would continue translating political understanding into concrete development projects while promoting mutual learning and stronger institutional partnerships.

According to the ambassador, China remains committed to advancing the China-Nigeria Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, supporting Africa’s development aspirations and contributing to global peace, shared prosperity and sustainable development.